MAR APR 1955 - River Rouge Historical Museum

River Rouge 

Historical Museum 

10750 W. Jefferson Ave. 

River Rouge, MI 48218 

E-mail address: rrmuseum48218@aol.com 

Web site: riverrougemuseum.com 

Delores Swekel – Director 

Tom Abair – Asst. Director 

Trustees – Jenny Cooper, Sue Decker, 

May Halladay, Mitch Cox, 

Marilyn Beaudrie, Leif Erickson, 

Jim Holiday 

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 – January – 2011 

I've got to apologize for the Newsletter being late to those that get it 

by mail. The printing company has been having problems with their 

machines. 

Those of you that have computers can get past issues of the 

Newsletter by going to our Website as listed above. 

We still need volunteers to work one Sunday per month. Leif 

Erickson has volunteered for the first Sunday of each month, thanks Leif. 

Jim Holliday volunteers nearly every Sunday in the winter months. 

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 

(Excerpts from the River Rouge Herald 

Newspaper) 

By: Jenny Cooper 

MARCH 3, 1955 

Usher In New Lighting Era – A true test as to the effectiveness of the modern fluorescent 

street lighting system being installed here was passed impressively Monday night when 

the initial battery of luminaries pierce through fog and rain to illuminate five blocks of 

pavement along Jefferson Avenue with a brightness to approximate daylight. The 55 

units turned on by Mayor M. Warren Duncan are the first of 199 that will, in early April, 

make River Rouge the best-lighted city in Michigan. The new system will extend to 

length of Jefferson from Orchard to the River Rouge Bridge and along Coolidge from 

Jefferson to Campbell. “These luminaries cast 2 ½ times as much light as the old lights”, 

John Tattan, Commissioner of Public Utilities said. “We are most impressed to learn 

that the number of „crime after dark‟ and traffic accidents have shown a marked 

decrease wherever this type of modern lighting has been installed,” Tattan 

continued. Local civic and Community Leaders and invited guests from surrounding 

cities and villages witnessed the “turn-on” ceremony. The Detroit Edison Company 

which is making the new installation owns the system and will maintain and operate 

it. The utilities company purchased the city‟s obsolete lighting equipment for 

$10,322. The initial battery of G-E fluorescent lights included 55 units, the first portion 

of a total of 100 G-E is now installing on Jefferson Avenue. Each of the General Electric 

luminaries is capable of casting 21,000 lumen, or nearly 15 times the light generated by 

an ordinary 100 – watt reading lamp. 

New Concert Membership Drive Opens – A kick-off dinner next Monday evening will 

mark the opening of the six-day Community Concert membership campaign, scheduled 

for March 7 through March 12. Campaign workers will attend the dinner at Christ 

Lutheran Church, corner of Burke and Louis Streets in River Rouge at 6pm. The Down 

River Community Concern Association has for the past six years been bringing 

Carnegie Hall talent in music and art to the Down River area. Appearing at concert 

at River Rouge and Ecorse High Schools have been such artists as Camilla 

Williams, Soprano; Don Cossacks, Chorus; Mildred Dilling, Harpist and Trapp 

Family Singers and a score of other outstanding artists. Since the number of top 

artists to appear during the concert season hinges upon the number of subscribers, every 

effort is being made to increase the membership for the 1955-56 Season. Last year, the 

Community Concert Associations most successful memberships increased 20 per cent. 

Adult subscribers may enjoy three to five concerts for $6 and student members pay 

$3. Admission to only one concert of a similar quality at Detroit‟s Masonic Temple 

is from $3 to $5 each. “During our membership campaign,” John E. Davis, Association 

President said, “subscribers will purchase an entire season‟s entertainment for the price of 

one concert. “The increasing support on the part of the public in this undertaking,” Davis 

continued, “is evidence of genuine interest in the cultural improvement of the 

communities.” Only subscribers may attend the concerts since tickets will not be 

sold for individual performances.

Holdup Money Burns In Ash Can; Only $363 Recovered – Only $363, most of it in 

change, was recovered from a burning trash barrel when it and the remainder of $1,070 

stolen from the Pastime Bar, 10380 West Jefferson, was hidden by a bandit fleeting from 

police early Monday morning. The bandit entered the car, drank a glass of tomato 

juice and left when another customer entered. He returned, wearing gloves, drew a 

revolver and ordered the waitress, Mrs. Recie Poe, to lock the doors. He then took 

$800 from an open cash register and $273 from a locked register, which he opened 

with a screwdriver. Mrs. Poe, locked in the basement by the gunman, was freed by 

a customer. The fleeing gunman, apparently frightened when he heard the sirens of 

police cars, stopped long enough to grab a lunch box filled with the loot in an army 

jacket and dropped it into the trash container, two blocks from the bar. Joseph 

Milligan, 58, of 168 Division, discovered the money when he was burning some trash 

in the barrel Monday night. Stirring the trash with a stick to create a blaze, 

Milligan struck the lunch pail which fell open when he lifted it out, exposing the 

money. Before he could get the bucket out most of the currency was charred 

beyond identification. A plastic toy pistol was also found in the barrel. Louise 

Balaze, Chief of Detectives, called in Federal authorities to determine how much of the 

burned currency could be redeemed. The Detective Bureau Monday took a plaster cast of 

a foot print believed to have been made by the gunman. In his flight to escape police he 

raced down West Pleasant then along the railroad tracks towards Frazier, tearing his 

trousers while sliding under a fence. He was last seen, police said, on Polk St. Mrs. Poe 

described him as about 35 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 190 pounds, with brown hair, 

blue eyes and fair complexion. 

Here Are New Car Gadgets – Researchers of three companies have announced 

development of new gadgets which can be plugged into a car‟s cigarette lighter. One is a 

light bulb attached to a long cord to furnish light for night repairs outside the car – 

changing tires, etc. This attachment also has a flashing red light to warn approaching 

traffic. Another is a radiophone designed especially for salesmen who want to talk to 

their offices. A third makes it possible for motorists to light their pathway for a minute 

and a half after leaving the machine. 

The Social Whirl 

The members of the River Rouge Woman’s Club will honor their husbands, 

friends on March 8 th with a dinner at 6:30pm at the Epworth Methodist Church. 

It is necessary that paid reservations for this dinner be in by Thursday, March 3. 

The Social Committee will be in charge of the dinner with Mrs. Maude 

Schrepferman and Mrs. Lois Roberts as Chairmen. Mrs. Lucille Thompson has 

charge of the program and music will be furnished by the Downriver Ups & 

Downs. Mr. Bert Robb will speak on the “St. Lawrence Seaway” and this should 

be a subject of great interest to all members, their husband and guests. 

 

The Bernadette of Lourdes Circle, Daughter of Isabella, are sponsoring a “Cana 

Day” at Our Lady of Lourdes School auditorium, Sunday, March 20 th . Father 

William Lynch of the Sacred Heart Seminary, formerly as assistant at Lourdes, 

will be our moderator. To make your reservations call Mrs. Margaret Hengy, 

Jean Ryan or Loretta Laginess. The “Cana Day” will start at 10 o’clock and end at 

5:30 o’clock. 

Flying to unknown planets is bound to be a reality before the year 2000, 

according to aviation experts’ report in the American Peoples Encyclopedia. The

answer lies in harnessing atomic energy for the exact reactive motors needed in 

space ships, according to the encyclopedia. 

Mrs. John C. Russ of 83 Oak recently returned home after a two weeks’ visit with 

her brother S-Sgt. Lionel Halley and his family in White Sands, New Mexico. 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hamilton of 121 Leroy, had their family home for the 

weekend. 

Mrs. Gertrude Currier of 47 Maple St., has been a patient at Wyandotte General 

Hospital since she suffered a heart attack two weeks ago. Reported in a serious 

condition, she is showing some improvement. 

The next meeting of the Dunn P.T. Council will be March 16 at 7:30pm with Sgt. 

Loren Pittman as the guest speaker. He will speak about juvenile delinquents 

and ways to help them. 

A card and bunco party open to the public will be held at the home of Mrs. 

Georgia Tomasovich, 30 Cora St. on Tuesday, March 8 at 1:30pm. 

Our Men in the Armed Service 

Robert A. Shaffer, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Shaffer of 116 E. Pleasant, a graduate 

of River Rouge High School, class of 1953 enlisted into the Navy on December 17, 

1953. He received his basic training for 11 weeks at San Diego, Calif. Then he 

graduated from Electronics Technician School on Treasure Island after 26 weeks. 

Robert is assigned to the USS Shangri-la and his home port is San Diego, Calif. Lt. 

George W. Shaffer, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Shaffer of 116 W. Pleasant was 

stationed at Norfolk, VA. To the USS Kittihawk, AFR. And later attended the 

Naval Combat Information Officers School in Illinois for 20 weeks. In February he 

was assigned to the USS Marshall, DD-676, which will leave for Japan on March 

8, Lt. Shaffer’s home port is in San Diego, Calif. George Shaffer is also a graduate 

of River Rouge High School. 

Robert W. Hodgkinson, Seaman, USN, son of Mr. & Mrs. John Hodgkinson of 40 

Alexander, River Rouge, is aboard the heavy cruiser USS Pittsburgh, which 

recently visited here after participating in the successful evacuation of the 

Tachen Islands. 

 

Pvt. Frank Jones, 24, son of Steve Jones, 33 Elizabeth, recently was graduated 

from the Transportation School’s. Steve doing course at Fort Eustis, VA. Jones 

was trained to load and unload cargo and to maintain freight records. Before 

entering the Army last September, he was employed at the Ford Factory in 

Detroit. 

Showdown Between Bears, Panther, Depend On „Ifs‟ – by Joe Enright – The possibility 

that River Rouge High and Lourdes High might clash on the basketball court this week in 

the District Tournament at Romulus is more than just a remote shot-in-the-dark after the 

pairings were made. If the two teams meet, they will repeat last year‟s terrific struggle 

for the District Crown on Saturday night at 8pm. Of course, as usual in tournament play, 

there are many „ifs‟ connected with the possible showdown clash between the two local 

schools. First, River Rouge would have to down Romulus and Belleville to enter the

finals, while Lourdes would have to handle Willow Run. Odds on this series of games 

working out to suit local partisans are good, but upsets an always cropping up in tourney 

play. Panthers would meet Belleville at 8:30pm Friday right after the Class D final 

between All Saints and St. Agnes which gets underway at 7pm. Willow Run is the only 

team standing in Lourdes‟ path to the District Final, and the Bears should handle the 

Villagers if they play any kind of a game tonight. (Lourdes and Willow Run meet tonight 

(Thursday) at 8pm). A Lourdes win coupled with a pair of Panther victories would mean 

the District final would feature the two local schools Saturday. If the two teams meet, 

Rouge would be favored, but don‟t forget two years ago when Lourdes upset Rouge to 

win the District Title. 

Rouge Swim Team Edges Trenton Lads – A victory in the final event of the day, the 100 

yard free style relay, was the margin of victory as the River Rouge High School Junior 

High swimming team edged Trenton, 38 to 37, in the final meet of the year for the local 

youngsters. The victory was the fifth in seven meets for the Rouge lads, who lost only 

two meets to Ecorse during the season. The Panther Juniors had won only two events 

until the final relay, but secondary strength had kept them in the running. Glenn Maddox 

won the 75 yard free style event, with Steve Mokrenski third. Joe Johnson copped the 75 

yard individual medley by edging teammate Ed Lezotte in a fine race for the Cub‟s other 

first. Rouge stayed in the running thanks to 2-3 finishes in three events, the breaststroke, 

the 50 yard free style and the backstroke. Joe Hale and Louis Belknap were 2-3 in the 

breaststroke, while Rodney Browen and Kenny Johnson finished in the same order in the 

free style race. Pat Keeley and Ron Kulenske ended up second and third in the 

backstroke. Starting the two relay events, Rouge was all tied up with Trenton at 27 

points each. Trenton won the Medley to lead, 33 to 30, and put the burden on the Cubs‟ 

speed relay team. The Rouge foursome was equal to the task, with Maddox, Mokrenski, 

Lezotte and Browen coming home first by five yards to win the meet for Rouge. 


Duncan Orders Loyalty Oath – Applies to City Officials, Workers – Calling upon elective 

and appointive city officials at Tuesday night‟s council meeting to repeat a loyalty oath 

pledging themselves to “support and defend the constitutions of the United States and the 

State of Michigan and the Charter of the City of River Rouge against all enemies, foreign 

and domestic”, Mayor M. Warren Duncan emphasized that all city officials and city 

employees will also be required to sign the oath. “There have been changes in the 

official family and city personnel since August 1950, when the loyalty oath was last 

taken by officials and employees,” Mayor Duncan said. “I believe it is of the utmost 

importance that everyone associated with my administration repeat this oath after me 

tonight and sign it later in the City Clerk‟s office”. “The purpose of signing this oath”, 

Duncan continued, “is to assure our citizens that no one serving in public office or in the 

City‟s employ is a member of a subversive organization.” Mayor Duncan remarked 

that his decision to make the signing of the oath of allegiance compulsory at this 

time was made earlier this month when Civil Defense Director Louis Balaze 

received a communication notifying him that it is mandatory for all C.D. volunteers 

to sign a loyalty oath. Civil Defense workers have been taking a loyalty oath since the 

organization was formed. According to Balaze all River Rouge Civil Defense volunteers 

have signed the oath since he became the local organization‟s first director in 1941. The 

Civil Defense oath is similar to that taken by city officials and employees, but omits 

reference to city government since persons undertaking Civil Defense activities are 

required to sign the loyalty oath by Federal and State Statutes. Each city official and 

employee affirms in signing the oath that he “will support and defend the 

constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Michigan, and 

the Charter of the City of River Rouge, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; 

bear true faith and allegiance to the same; take this obligation freely, without

mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and will and faithfully discharge his 

duties as an officer or employee of the City of River Rouge according to the best of 

his ability”. The loyalty oath continues: “and I do further swear (or affirm) that I do 

not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that 

advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States, or of this State, or 

of the City of River Rouge by force or violence; and that during my term of office or 

during my employment with the City of River Rouge, I will not advocate nor 

become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the 

overthrow of the Government of the United States or of the State, or of the City of 

River Rouge by force or violence”. 

E. Beaudrie Ends Course With Honors – A certificate of award for successful completion 

of a course in Jail Management has been presented to Earl R. Beaudrie of 27 Cora, by the 

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, Washington, D.C. Beaudrie, Assistant 

Turnkey at Wayne County Jail, was promoted to his present position in December 1953 

after having been a member of Andrew C. Baird‟s Staff since 1949. Previous to his 

promotion Beaudrie had been employed in the Sheriff‟s office. For the past six years 

Beaudrie has been a City Commissioner. He is seeking re-election to the City Council at 

the April 4 election. The course in Jail Management, consisting of ten lessons, was 

completed recently by Beaudrie with a 95 percent rating on the examination. 

Mayor Cites Health Plan, Future Clinic – Speaking at Thursday night‟s Health Council 

Meeting, Mayor M. Warren Duncan outlined plans for a health program in River Rouge 

that will eventually revolve around a new building constructed for sole use as a health 

clinic. Mayor Duncan told the Council his program includes the full-time services of 

a medical doctor as the City‟s officer. Another physician will work with him as a 

deputy health officer, according to the Mayor‟s plan. Answering a council member‟s 

question as to whether he approved the development of a Health Commission with 

complete jurisdiction over the local health program, Mayor Duncan said: “I consider the 

Health Council a Health Commission, and we certainly are open to their advice on health 

matters. I, as mayor, am only the seventh man on the council and you surely realize that 

it takes a majority vote of the council to create any such city program. The setting up of 

a Health Commission, Mayor Duncan continued, “would require a Charter 

amendment. To become law any amendment requires the majority support of 

qualified voters. “We have”, he went on, “a fine non-political group, the Charter Study 

Advisory Commission, now working on the modernization of our City Charter. Sections 

to be amended are being studied in the order of their importance to the community, and in 

time the question concerning the creation of a health commission will be taken under 

consideration by the Study Commission.” Regarding requesting serves from County, 

State and voluntary health agencies, the mayor emphasized that the city would not, 

unless it became a case of acute necessity, ask for such outside assistance, “Since we 

are definitely financially able to take care of our own problems.” Under the direction 

of Health Council President Dr. F. W. Johnson and Laura Gates, Council Secretary, plans 

for the annual meeting were set up. Committees were appointed and a tentative date set 

for April. 

Civic Party to Herald New Lights – A civic celebration to herald River Rouge as the 

“City of Light” is in the planning stages according to John R. Tattan, Commissioner of 

Utilities, who this week learned that the completion date for the new fluorescent street 

lighting system has been scheduled for Monday, March 28. In a telephone conversation 

with Governor G. Mennen Williams who was in New York, Mayor M. Warren Duncan 

was assured that the Governor will make every effort to attend the celebration. The local 

citizenry may, however, depend upon the presence of Lt. Governor Phillip A. Hart. The 

Big Time : The Detroit News March 13 Sunday Pictorial has a page of pictures on 

River Rouge‟s new street lights. In one of the photographs a lovely young lady is

not identified in the caption … she is Miss Donna Gvozdich of 232 Fairmont. Also 

scheduled for next Tuesday‟s edition is Earl B. Dowdy‟s feature article on River 

Rouge, a part of the New‟s Series – “Suburbia Revisited “. Dowdy, a member of the 

New‟s Editorial Staff, was especially astute in the handling of this particular 

assignment, since he is a former River Rouge resident. For several years he was 

sports editor for the Herald. Festivities will begin at 7:30pm and tentative plans call 

for a street dance, dedication program and a gala parade. The new River Rouge lighting 

will be the Country‟s first major fluorescent installation in which the fixtures will be 

tilted upward to increase pavement brightness to the center of the street. 

Renowned Artist Enthralls Downriver Concert Group – A Downriver Concert audience 

was enthralled last Wednesday night as Lawrence Winters, world renowned baritone, 

presented a program of varied musical selections ranging from an old Irish air to the 

Prologue from “I Pagliacci”. Winter‟s concert was the last of four offered this season by 

the Downriver Community Concert Association which provides an opportunity for every 

citizen in the community to select the world‟s great artists who appear in concern locally. 

American born and American trained. Winters was nothing short of superb. One did not 

have to be steeped in the tradition of the opera to enjoy his fine renditions. The very 

young sat and reveled with him as he sang “The Boatman‟s Dance”; “Lord Randall”, 

which was not too unlike the currently popular “Davey Crockett”, and three choice 

numbers from “Porgy and Bess”. Sherman Franks accompanied Winters. From a 

singing waiter to top concert artist has been the difficult road travelled by Lawrence 

Winters. He was born in a small rural town of South Carolina and migrated slowly 

northward – high school in North Carolina, college in Washington, D.C., and his first job 

in New York City. Like many great artists the road was rough but an engagement at the 

invitation of Stokowski of the NBC Symphony and an opportunity to sing the role of 

Amonasro in “Aida” started him on his way. He has since made two extensive European 

tours and is in great demand in this County and Canada. Winters sang his first spiritual 

Wednesday night without accompaniment. His rich, full voice was evidenced throughout 

the selection. As encores he sang “I Got Plenty of Nothing” from “Porgy and Bess” and 

“Old Man River”. 

Of Interest To Women 

Golden Years – Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Rebel, Sr., of 86 Abbott, recently celebrated 

their golden wedding anniversary at a banquet attended by their four boys, 

Nicholaus , Frank, Thomas and Peter and two daughters, Mrs. Bernard Kroll and 

Mrs. Fred Siegle. They were married on March 6, 1905 in St. Boniface Church, 

2343 Twelfth. Mr. Rebel, Sr., 72, is President of the Rebel Creamer Co., in River 

Rouge. 

 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cassidy of 55 Walnut, observed their 50 th wedding 

anniversary with a dinner party at the Wabeek Tea Room in Wyandotte, 

accompanied by their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John Landon and 

family of Dearborn. Mr. Cassidy, 74, is a retired employee of the Ford Motor Co. 

The couple was married on March 2, 1905 in Ecorse by Msgr. Champion. They 

have two grandchildren Russell and Donald Landon. Mrs. Cassidy, was born in 

St. Clair County, Mi. and Mr. Cassidy was born in England. 

The Woman‟s Guild of St. Hilda‟s Episcopal Church is making plans for the 

rummage sale which has been sponsored annually by the organization. This year 

the sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 18 & 19, in the building 

formerly occupied by the Workingman‟s Store, 10540 W. Jefferson at the corner

of Coolidge. Eye catching signs in the display windows already give promise that 

the Guild will live up to its slogan of “Rummage with a Future!” The doors will 

be open from 10am to 6pm. 

 

 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Emery of 56 Batavia, celebrated their Silver Wedding 

Anniversary on February 26 at their home. Three sons Albert, Gerald and Alfred 

helped in the celebration. Mr. & Mrs. Emery received many lovely and useful 

gifts. The couple was married on March 1, 1930 in River Rouge at Our Lady of 

Lourdes Church by Father William Hogan. 

Most popular sticks in the home today are kept in the refrigerator – not in the 

woodshed. Fish sticks, boneless slices of pre-cooked and frozen fish, have grown 

in demand from 7.5 million pounds in 1953 to about 50 million pounds processed 

in 1954, according to A & P Food Stores, one of the leading processors. 

Convenience has been the key-note behind the development of all pre-cooked fish 

products. The frozen fish sticks for example, need only to be reheated for 12 to 

15 minutes before serving. In the Cap‟n John packages packed by A & P, there 

are eight sticks in a 10 ounce carton. 

A River Rouge girl, Miss Agnes Garcia, is assisting in the production of Gilbert & 

Sullivan‟s musical comedy, “H. M.S. Pinafore”, to be staged by the sophomore 

class at Marygrove College tonight in the college auditorium for students and 

faculty. Miss Garcia, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Garcia of 208 Haltiner, is a 

member of the Costume Committee. She is a Home Economics Major. 

14 Beginning Drivers Fail License Test – Chief Ralph Phillips today announced the 

results of the first thirty days operation of the new license examination for beginning 

drivers in River Rouge. “According to our records”, he said, “40 persons took the 

examination of which 14, or nearly 50 percent failed. Most of the persons taking the 

examinations were young drivers who had never had a driver‟s license before.” The high 

percent of the failures, on the first try,” the Chief continued, is due to the fact that the 

State of Michigan is now demanding that applicants for a license know more about safe 

driving than was previously required and the examination is therefore much more 

thorough. Undoubtedly, most of those who failed on the first try will pass on the second 

try if they study more and practice driving more”. Chief Phillips pointed out that as 

good as the new examination is it only measures the fact that those who pass do 

know how to drive safely – it does not measure the attitude of the driver nor prove 

that he will drive safely if he passed the examination. Those who do not pass and then 

fail to drive as safely as they know how, fact the thorny road of apprehension for traffic 

violations by the law enforcement agencies, penalization by the court of those found 

guilty and ultimate suspension or revocation of their licenses by the Department of State. 

In conclusion, Chief Phillips stated, “By firmer examinations, re-examinations, 

more severe court penalties, warning letters and suspensions or revocations by the 

Department of State the traffic safety authorities are determined that the license is 

only a privilege to drive safely and not a right to drive which anyone is entitled to. 

The license cannot be permitted to be a right to drive unsafely to violate the law, to cause 

an accident – or the license to kill. As long as almost one driver in ten is involved in an 

accident, the tragic fact in Michigan last year, traffic safety authorities have no alternative 

but to tighten up all along the line on issuing licenses and taking them away”.

Panthers Wins City Cage Title For Second Straight Year by Joe Enright – The River 

Rouge Panthers took the first step in their drive to repeat as the State Class B. Basketball 

Champions by rolling through the District Tournament at Romulus with three easy 

victories. The Panthers impressed by routing highly regarded Romulus, 80 to 53, in the 

first round game Wednesday. Then the local lad‟s steamrolled over Belleville Friday 

night, 77 to 51. In the finals Saturday Rouge won the local City Crown for the second 

straight year by dumping Lourdes, 60 to 42. The three triumphs qualified the 

Panthers for the second phase of tournament play, the Regional‟s, which will be 

held this week at Livonia Bentley. Chief opposition for the Panthers in the regional 

meet is expected to come from unbeaten Inkster and always dangerous Ecorse. 

Others in the meet are Dundee, Redford St. Mary and Redford Union. Romulus was 

supposed to supply the real test for the Panthers in the District meet and the Eagles did 

just that for the first fifteen minutes. Then the Panthers, sparked by the brilliant play of 

Blanche Martin, struck fast to win going away. Blanche Martin was a real one-man gang 

during the first half of the Romulus battle, netting 20 points to keep his team in 

contention. Martin was the only Rouge player doing much in the first half, as the rest of 

the boys seemed to have opening night jitters. With Martin scoring with almost every 

conceivable shot, the Panthers managed a 36 to 29 halftime lead. The Panthers 

finally shook the first half tension and began to roll in the third stanza, riddling the 

Romulus zone for easy goals. The Rouge quintet built up a 57 to 40 lead to start the 

final quarter, with superior board work making the difference after Romulus 

controlled the boards in the first half. Although he sat out the last five minutes of the 

game, Blanche Martin ended up with 35 points, a new school scoring record for River 

Rouge High. The old mark was 32 set by George Bohacik in 1940. Martin collected 13 

baskets and 9 of 11 free throws for the new mark. The veteran Panther Captain played 

his best game of the year against the Romulus quintet, using his speed and rebounding 

ability to almost single handedly whip the Eagles. Center Henry Pollard was runner-up 

to Martin in the scoring column for the Panthers with 12 points. Guard Jim Foley topped 

Romulus with 21 points while forward Bernie Parker notched 14 for the Eagles. 

Belleville was next for Rouge, and the Panthers made short work of the Trojans. The 

only thing that Belleville accomplished was to handcuff Rouge‟s scoring ace, Blanche 

Martin. The Trojans played a tight zone defense, completely surrounding Blanche 

Martin. This strategy stopped Martin with four points, but the Trojans so neglected 

Rouge‟s outside men in the zone attack that they had a field day. Belleville was not 

intent on shutting off Martin that they permitted Rouge‟s outside shooters, Herb Wood, 

Lewis Brown, Walt Ector and Jack Peer to shoot without any serious opposition from as 

close as 20 feet. With time from this range, the Panther gunners found the target with 

great regularity. Herbie Wood sparked the first period, hitting five times for ten 

points. Walt Ector added two goals from outside and so did Lewis Brown as Rouge 

jumped off to a 26 to 11 lead. Jack Peer took over the marksmanship in the second 

stanza, netting ten points to drive the Panthers to a comfortable 46 to 17 margin at 

the half. The score continued to mount in the third period and Coach Loften Greene 

emptied the bench by the first minute of the final quarter in a vain effort to keep the score 

down. Even the Reserves had an easy time of it, although Belleville never quit fighting. 

Jack Peer and Walter Ector led the shooting with 13 points each, while “Bullet” Brown 

had 12 and Herb Wood ten. George Thompson was the Belleville star with 22 points 

while Jerry Bitner chimed in with 14. By taking scoring honors for Rouge Peer and Ector 

had the distinction of being the first players to outshine Blanche Martin, who had topped 

Rouge scoring in the previous 15 straight games. The final pitted the city rivals, River 

Rouge and Lourdes. Nobody expected Lourdes to seriously threaten Rouge, but the 

Bears battled hard all the way and made Rouge hustle to win. The final margin was 

60 to 42, but Lourdes had a decided edge in the play during the first 12 minutes,

giving the Panthers some anxious moments. After a tight 13 to 11 first period, 

Rouge moved out of a 27 to 16 edge at halftime. The Panthers‟ pressing defense 

proved tough for Lourdes in the second period, limiting the Bears to only six shots 

in the quarter. Blanche Martin and Jim Childs had 5 points apiece for Rouge while 

Tom Cazabon and Phil Poirier notched Lourdes‟ only baskets of the period. 

Lourdes stayed with Rouge in the third period, benefitting from the halftime rest to 

contain the Panther running game. The third quarter ended with Rouge in front, 41 to 

29. The opposing centers, Tom Cazabon and Jim Childs had six points each in the 

stanza. 

Our Men In The Armed Service 

Pvt Alexander McKee, son of Mr. & Mrs. Alexander McKee of 59 Batavia, and 

Pvt. Thomas Cunningham Jr., son of Thomas Cunningham Sr., of 959 Coolidge 

both stationed in Germany, met accidently, when they went into the PX to have a 

drink. Both attended River Rouge High School. 

 

Mr. & Mrs. E. Pregler of 117 E. Pleasant have received word that their son, Pfc. 

Robert Pregler, who is stationed in Wisebaden, Germany, has been picked to be 

sent to Munich, Germany, for five weeks of training for N.C.O. at the N.C.O. 

School. 

Leonard A. Brown, steward third class, USN, son of Mrs. Ethel L. Brown of 276 

Kleinow, River Rouge, is serving aboard the attack carrier USS Wasp. The Wasp 

operated with the U.S. 7 th Fleet providing air coverage for the Tachen Islands 

evacuation. 

 

Pfc. Jimmy Davis, son of Timothy Jones, 558 Palmerston, River Rouge, recently 

participated in a special Army test exercise at Fort Hood Texas. Private First 

Class Davis, a gunner in Company B of the Divisions 13 th Tank Battalion, entered 

the Army in May 1953, and completed basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. 


Credit Union Case Raises Stir Here – As the tangled affairs of the Ford Rouge 

Employees Federal Credit Union unfolded under probing by government examiners, the 

now bankrupt BB&H Construction Co. of 417 Visger, RR, disclosed to have been 

operated on credit union funds, had claims filed against it by River Rouge and Ecorse 

residents who charged the firm with failure to fulfill contracts on various projects for 

which it had accepted case payments. A River Rouge man, Leroy Folks, 35 of 518 

Frazier, and his wife Jonnie Mae, 32, were the recipients of a $37,000 loan from the 

credit union with only $4,000 collateral, to build a roller skating rink at 3130 Schaefer, 

which Folks said, he obtained through the credit unions Treasurer, Robert Vezzosi, a 

Dearborn Councilman. Folks said that John Harris President of the BB&H Co., 

suggested he obtained the loan from the Ford Credit Union. Folks says he now owes 

nothing because he signed no papers, for the loan, although the credit union did advance 

him $25,000 to $37,000. He said he and his wife never saw a penny of the money but 

that the contractor, BB&H, which Harris represented, was empowered to draw on the 

fund in escrow but that he, Folks, had to sign the checks. Folks contends that at the time 

he was notified that all the money was gone, he didn‟t believe more than $25,000 of the 

$37,000 had been put into the building. When the contractor left the job, Folks said he 

raised $8,000 among his relatives to finish the building. Folks said he had never received

a notice to pay, but understood he was to start paying when the building was completed. 

Since the contractor pulled out and he was forced to finance the completion, he said he 

did not know when to start paying or how much he was supposed to pay. The fact that 

Folks is awaiting trial on gambling charges was disclosed by police Wednesday. He was 

arrested last April with several others when police raided the Russel Trelck downriver 

numbers syndicate, according to Lt. Eugene Geibig of the Detroit Police Racket Squad. 

Free on bond, Folks will be tried with Trilck on gambling conspiracy. The BB & H 

Corp. went into bankruptcy on May 18, 1954 with an estimated $50,000 in claims 

pending against it. Among the claimants were the Sumby Realty Co. of 600 Palmerston, 

RR of which Dr. Samuel B. Milton is the President, Dr. Milton and his wife, Isaure, had 

filed a claim of $20,000 against the company for failure to fulfill a contract for 

alterations, enlargement and construction of an addition to Sumby Memorial Hospital. 

Mrs. Bobbie Blackmon of 279 Frazier, RR, claimed the firm owed her $4,550, 

representing, she said, her commission at 10 percent of the face value of the contracts she 

had obtained. Mrs. Blackmon was listed as a shareholder with two others of the next 

corporation, H & W Construction Co., Inc., of Detroit in September, 1954. Mrs. Jowan 

M. June of 395 Labadie Court, Ecorse, filed suit against the company in April, 1954, for 

$10,000 claiming the firm had not built a trailer village for her in Ecorse for which she 

had contracted, paying an advance of $6,000. The BB & H Co. did some construction 

work on an eight-apartment building for Sandie Crawford of 515 Superior, RR, and part 

of the work on a six-apartment building for Henry Roney of 3807 Nineteenth, Ecorse, as 

well as doing some construction work on Folks‟ skating rink. Loans from the Ford 

Rouge Employee Federal Credit Union financed part of the three buildings. 

4 Juveniles Face Music For Escapade – Four teen-aged boys, three of them with previous 

police contracts, must appear before Juvenile Court for taking a joy ride Sunday on the 

Detroit River in a stolen boat. Although they did not commit the actual theft of the 14 

foot outboard stolen February 27 by two boys, 10 and 11, they will be brought to task for 

using the boat they knew had been stolen and for tying up Coast Guard and River Rouge 

police authorities for several man-hours as they attempted to rescue the boys trapped in 

an ice flow. The boys were in control of the craft, but were in extreme danger of 

being crushed in an ice jam, according to Sgt. Loren Pittman of the Youth Bureau. 

Receiving word the youths were about to be trapped in ice at the mouth of the Rouge 

River, Assistant Chief Jake W. Wilhite dispatched Patr. Gene Kovacs to the riverfront. 

Wilhite also contacted the Coast Guard who guided the boat to shore where Kovacs was 

waiting for them. Pittman pointed out that had they been adults, the juveniles would 

have been charged with grand larceny for being in possession of the stolen boat, 

valued at $150. Edward Dehertae, of 112 Oak, reported the boat stolen February 27. 

When questioned by Sgt. Pittman, the four boys implicated two youngsters who had 

boasted they had taken the boat and hid it in an abandoned boat well on the Rouge River. 

Calling in the two culprits, Sgt. Pittman obtained admissions that they had committed the 

theft. 

Is Championship Bridge Player – Tracy Denninger, Jr., Assistant Manager of the 

Sheraton Cadillac in Detroit, and son of Commissioner and Mrs. Tracy Denninger of 135 

Maple, last weekend won the Mixed Pair Championship with his partner, Mrs. Marie 

VerLinden, at the 25 th Detroit District Bridge Tournament at the Detroit-Leland Hotel. 

They defeated a record field of 144 pairs with the largest score even registered in a 

sectional Mixed Pair in Detroit, 223 points of a possible 312. Their game put them 21 

points ahead of the runners-up 

Lourdes‟ Cub Scouts Win Awards – At the last pack meeting the following Cub Scouts 

of Troop RR-3 (Lourdes) received Wolf Awards; William Row, Wolfe badge, one gold 

and two silver arrows; James Hoff, William Hughes, Peter Hammer, James Beyer, Ed 

Cheff, Wolfe badges; Donald Murray, Wolf Badge, gold and silver arrows; John Murray,

Wolf Badge, gold and silver arrows; Gary Domino, Silver arrow. The following boys 

received Bear badges; David Brooks, Jerome Carlton, Dennis Goudreau, Charles 

Laginess and Gary Domino. Lion Awards were presented to: Paul Hoff, Ron Ardouin, 

Daniel Smith, Arthur Shiels, Robert Sebastionelli and David Domino, Lion badge and 

Gold Arrow. Year Pins were awarded to: Donald Ardouin, David Domino, William 

Row, Gary Domino, Jerome Carlton, David Brooks, Robert Sebastionelli, Peter Hammer, 

Donald Murray, John Murray, Charles Brancheau, John Brancheau, Charles Laginess, 

Victor Zimbiec, Daniel Smith, Patrick Little and Tom Wilson. Fred Phillips was 

transferred to the Farmington Pack. Den Mothers who received year pins were: Mrs. 

George Komaromi, Mrs. Ernest Laginess, Mrs. John Little and Mrs. Floyd Murray, one 

year pins; Mrs. John Domino, Four year pins; Mrs. Al Theeck, five year pins, and Mrs. 

Harry Bondy, Six year pin. A new den mother pin went to Mrs. Al Peters. Bernard 

Lozon received a Three year pin; Al Theeck and Harry Bondy, Five year pins; Floyd 

Murray, the new cub master, One year pin. 

Free Clinic For Electric Shavers – The luxury of a shave at the hands of an expert with an 

electric shaver may be enjoyed, gratis, by gentlemen who will take the time to stop in an 

Regal Jewelers, 10490 West Jefferson, RR, anytime between 10am and 6pm Saturday. 

The special service is only one to be offered by a Sunbeam factory expert who will 

conduct a free clinic for servicing electric shavers, also gratis, at a free clinic. Every 

electric shaver brought to Regal‟s Saturday will be sharpened, oiled and cleaned by the 

factory-trained Sunbeam Representative. 


The D.R.C.S. Club held their meeting last Friday at the home of Mrs. Nan 

Gerstner of 182 Division. Canasta prize winners were Rosalind Hamel, Margaret 

Gravitter, Bernice Kunkosky and Marie Nichols. The next meeting will be held 

in two weeks on Thursday at the home of Mrs. Dorothy Paolette of Wyandotte. 

 

Mrs. Alice Chester of 18 E. Cicotte entertained the Jolly Six Club for luncheon 

and cards on Thursday. Prizes were won by; Mrs. N. Bach, Mrs. L. Gibney and 

Mrs. W. Picard. On Thursday Mrs. Chester was given a surprise birthday party at 

the Elbow Room of the River Rouge Hotel by her seven sons. Guests attended 

from Owasso, Dearborn, Detroit, Wyandotte, Lincoln Park, Royal Oak and River 

Rouge. She received many beautiful gifts. 


Pfc. Harry C. Wiggins, son of Mrs. Jessie Gills of Ecorse, is enjoying a well 

earned seven day leave. Pfc. Wiggins is serving his third hitch in the Army. He 

took his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. He served overseas in Germany with the 

1 st Infantry Division. Pfc. Wiggins, having volunteered for the Airborne, was sent 

to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he received his “Wings” in July of 1953. At 

present he is assigned to Headquarters Company Third Battalion, 188 th Airborne 

Infantry Regiment of the famous 11 th Airborne Division. 

Navy Lt. George W. Shaffer, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Shaffer, of 116 W. 

Pleasant, RR reported aboard the destroyer USS Marshall from the submarine 

rescue vessel USS Kittihawk in February. Before entering the Navy in August 

1952, he was graduated from Michigan College of Mining and Technology at 

Houghton.

Cpl. Charles J. Kukta, 28, son of Joseph Kukta, 26 Perrin St. RR, recently 

participated in Exercise Roundup, an Army Training maneuver in Austria. Corp. 

Kukta a Supply Clerk in Co. B of the 350 th Infantry Regiment entered the Army 

in February 1950 and completed basic training at Camp Blanding, Fl. 

Panthers Stalk 2 nd State Cage Title In 2 Years – The River Rouge Panthers took a giant 

stride toward the State Class B Basketball Championship by winning the Regional Title 

at Livonia Bentley for the second straight year with a hard fought 65 to 55 victory over 

previously unbeaten Inkster High Saturday night. An overflow crowd of 2,300 fans saw 

Coach Loften Greene‟s hustling youngsters and splurge in the final 33 second of play, 

after Rouge had squandered an eight point margin early in the final period. The victory 

advanced the Panthers to the quarter finals, with Detroit St. Andrew supplying the 

opposition. Last year Rouge eliminated Inkster on the Regional‟s and went on to 

win the State title, with St. Andrew bowing to the Panthers in the quarter finals, 58 

to 48. The finals of the Regional tournament produced some of the best basketball 

ever seen in the State Tourney game. Even George DuFour, veteran St. Theresa 

coach, called the game the best he had ever seen in the tournaments. Both teams 

were primed for the battle, and it took a terrific performance by the underdog 

Panthers to snap Inksters‟ long winning streak. Inkster entered the finals with an 

impressive record, and the Vikings were given a slight edge by most experts because 

of their fine shooting performances in the two early regional tests. However, Rouge 

upset the applecart with a determined full court press defense and another 

tremendous scoring effort by the Panther captain, Blanche Martin. As usual, the 

game started with Inkster getting away to a 4-0 lead. Then the Panthers, with Martin 

showing the way, rallied to pass the Vikings and build up an 18 – 15 margin at the 

quarter. Blanche Martin had eight points for Rouge and Lewis Brown five while Al 

Duncan led Inkster with seven. Inkster pulled even in the second stanza, but Rouge 

struck again to regain to lead as Martin continued his brilliant play. The Rouge 

captain totaled ten points in the second period and teammate Walter Ector as five as 

Rouge took a 39 to 33 edge at halftime. The scoring pace slowed down in the third 

quarter, with Rouge still adding to its margin. Blanche Martin netted five points the 

spark to local quintet to a 52 – 44 lead as a final quarter began. Here Inkster Coach 

Bob Harris made a move which almost doomed Rouge. Harris substituted for 

rebound ace Paul Shannon and changed his offensive pattern to pull Rouge‟s big 

men, Jim Childs and Blanche Martin away from the boards. In place of the big 

men, Inkster moved guard Edgar Frazier in close, complicating Rouge‟s defensive 

problem because Frazier, a six footer, had a considerable height advantage on his 

rival 5‟8” Herb Wood. With Frazier netting eight points in three minutes, Inkster 

tied the count at 54 all on Al Duncan‟s goal with five minutes remaining. The 

Vikings went in front on Al Barden‟s free throw, 55 to 54. Rouge Guard Lewis Brown 

hit from the outside to put Rouge one up on Barden‟s jump shot returned Inkster to the 

lead. Center Jim Childs‟ free throw tied the score at 57 all. Blanche Martin put Rouge 

ahead with a jump shot from the key, but Al Duncan matched this to tie the court. Time 

was running out and Rouge tried hard to get a good show. Finally, with 33 seconds 

left the Panthers fired from the side, but the ball rimmed the hoop and started to 

roll out. Here Center Jim Childs went up and deftly topped home the rebound to 

put Rouge in front to stay. Inkster tried hard to score but Chet Hicks fouled Herb 

Wood and the little Rouge Guard made both tosses good to make it 63 – 59 with 28 

seconds left. Paul Shannon got one basket back for Inkster but Rouge held the ball 

until the gun sounded to preserve the victory. “Bullet” Brown was fouled as the gun 

went off and he converted both times to make the final score 65 – 61. Blanche

topped all the scorers with 25 points, while Lew Brown was next for Rouge with 13. 

Walt Ector and Herb Wood were next with nine while Jim Childs had seven. Edgar 

Frazier was high for Inkster with 16 points, with Al Duncan getting fifteen. Chet 

Hicks and Paul Shannon were next for the Vikings with ten each. 

On “Dream Teams” – Martin, Ace Court Man, Wins Honors – The All State Basketball 

Team announced by the Detroit Free Press honored River Rouge High‟s great forward 

and leader, Blanche Martin, with a berth on the first team in the State Wide Class B 

Selections. It was the first time since Coach Lofton Greene has been at Rouge High that 

one of his youngsters had been selected on the Free Press First Team. Previously, Jack 

Belkin, Bill Whitaker and Cleon Gilliam had made the Second Squad. The Free Press, 

is honoring Martin, paid tribute to most prolific scorer in Panther history. Martin 

is a remarkable board man and outstanding clutch player. Martin has totaled 398 

points in 19 games this year to establish a season long record. Martin also holds the 

individual game mark at River Rouge with 35 points. A strong six-footer, Martin 

excels with a picture jump shot from around the circle and a tremendous driving 

layup which is almost impossible to stop. Possessing tremendous spring, the Rouge 

youngster has been known to sail 20 feet through the air to score on his driving shot. 

That extra bounce also makes Martin a strong board man, the Panther forward 

being regarded as one of the State‟s top rebounders. Martin was second in the 

balloting to Ralph Coleman, Lansing St. Mary star, who was an All Stater last year. This 

is quite a distinction for a player from this area since out state votes usually outnumber 

Detroit area ballots by a wide margin. However, Martin received support from Jackson, 

Monroe and other outstand cities. 


River Rouge Awaits Ride on „Easy St‟ – On Tuesday, March 15, River Rouge was the 

featured city in the Detroit News series, “Suburbia Revisited”. For the benefit of 

those who may have missed Detroit News Reporter Earl B. Dowdy‟s graphic 

account of dynamic River Rouge, the Herald obtained permission to reprint the 

article. That Dowdy has so effectively captured the spirit of the city in his 

comprehensive report may be attributed to the fact that River Rouge is his 

“hometown”. Unworried by the growing pains and money troubles that afflict so many 

other suburbs, River Rouge is on its way to becoming one of the wealthiest cities in the 

Metropolitan area. Other places may worry about rising taxes. River Rouge talks about 

cutting them from their already low level – and doubling the municipal budget at the 

same time. The city already gets a rich tax return from its gold-plated riverfront and a 

324-acre industrial colony on Zug Island. Officials predict a boom is ahead that will 

increase the wealth of the community almost fivefold over what it was in 1950. River 

Rouge grew up a long time ago. It is a city of smoke stacks, of truck-burdened streets, of 

old schools and older houses. For years the population has stood steady at a little more 

than 20,000. Like having the Boss Say He‟ll Double Pay. – The biggest thing in the 

suburb‟s future is a new Detroit Edison Company Power Plant, started a year ago and 

scheduled for operation next year. It will have two 330,000 – horsepower generating 

units at the start, but it is designed for six units. That would make it one of the largest 

power plants in the world. “We believe the Edison plant will nearly triple our assessed 

valuation to $170,000,000”, said Mayor M. Warren Duncan. “That and future expansion 

by the Great Lakes Steel Corp. of its Zug Island blast furnace division should make River 

Rouge one of the wealthiest cities in the metropolitan area”. What this prospect has done 

for city planning is roughly akin to the castle-building that would be experienced by 

anybody who‟s boss promised to double his pay. A Big Health Center Among Next 

Projects – Already underway is the replacement of old globe-type street lights with 

modern fluorescent tubes; a $300,000 off-street parking project, and a complete street 

resurfacing program. Other projects scheduled for the near future include a $200,000

library; $350,000 municipal incinerator; $275,000 industrial highway to divert trucks to 

the riverfront from the business district, and a $124,000 Health Center. A little further 

off, when more of the industrial manna is in the bank, is a new city hall and police and 

fire facilities to replace the 40-year-old building now in use. We can‟t miss” is the 

opinion of Commissioner John Tattan. “Industry already pays 81 per cent of our taxes, 

and the outlook is tremendous.” Plan to Rid the City of Old Frame Homes – 

Councilman Earl R. Beaudrie whose family settled in River Rouge more than a halfcentury 

ago when it was a muddy village, points with pride to the tax rate of $18.50 per 

$1,000 of assessed valuation and predicts that will be cut before long. (Editor‟s Note: 

Last week Council voted to reduce the mill rate, fixing taxes at $18 per $1,000 of 

assessed valuation) “The rate was $20 per $1,000 six years ago, then $19 a year later,” 

Beaudrie said. “We cut it 50 cents more in 1953 and hope to make another appreciable 

decrease when the budget is prepared later this year”. The average home is assessed at 

$2,000, he added. Of all the planners, none is more optimistic than William Duncan, 

Director of the River Rouge Housing Commission. For years he has sought to ease a 

housing shortage with 339 city-owned units, more than half of them built for temporary 

use. But sometime in April he will begin negotiations with federal officials on a 

proposed $3,000,000 redevelopment program designed to rid the city of hundreds of substandard 

dwellings. The frame houses now sandwiched together on 30 foot lots would be 

torn down and replaced by modern homes with wider lot frontages, perhaps on wider 

streets. “The Federal Government would put up two-thirds of the cost and the city one 

third,” said Duncan (no relative of the mayor). “It would be worth every cent to rectify 

the mistakes made in past building. River Rouge School Picture Is Rosy - Another 

departure from the ills of other suburbs is the River Rouge school picture. At least, it is 

to Superintendent Glenn Bowen, who came to the established city last year from rapidlygrowing 

Taylor Township. Compare the lot of other school administrators, who must 

face new thousands of children each fall, to that of Bowen. He expects perhaps 200 more 

next September. The enrollment now is 3,650 in the high school and three elementary 

schools and teacher class-loads average 30 pupils or less, he said. A 17-room elementary 

school is scheduled to start rising next month at a cost of $450,000. Another school was 

torn down and completely rebuilt two years ago at a cost of $537,000. A new 

gymnasium for the high school may be added in a few years, making the old one 

available for vocational arts classes. “Our vocational shops are among the best now,” 

Bowen said, “and many of our graduates go on to good jobs in factories, printing shops 

and drafting room”. Beginner Teachers Get $3,850 a year. - River Rouge teachers 

start at $3,850 a year and many progress to $6,150 within 10 years, Bowen said. That 

places them among the better paid of their profession locally. School operation and the 

“pay-as-you-go” building program total $1,280,934 this year, paid for from a school tax 

of $14.95 per $1,000 of property valuation. This is half the rate of many suburbs. It is 

likely assumption that the French explorers, LaSalle and Fr. Hennepin, never gave the 

place a second glance when they rowed northward past it in 1671. But look at “Riviere 

Rouge” Now. 

Civic Party Heralds New Lights – Citizens of River Rouge will literally see their city in a 

new light Monday night when Governor G. Mennen Williams throws the switch that will 

put the new 199-unit fluorescent street lighting system into full operation. An occasion 

to instill civic pride in every resident, it will be marked by a civic celebration at 

7:30pm to be staged in front of the city hall. Mayor M. Warren Duncan and City 

Commissioners invite the people of River Rouge to witness the ceremony to be attended 

by state, county and Downriver public officials. Kirby L. Wilson, past Mayor of River 

Rouge, will be toastmaster, and other former mayors on the speakers stand will be 

Thomas Bresnahan, Arnold Frutig and Arthur L. Valade. An invitation has also been 

sent to former Village President, Albert R. Heuer, Utilities Commissioner John R. Tattan

said. The initial battery of 55 fluorescent fixtures as put into service on February 28 and 

has already come through the test of the fog and rain with flying colors. The new 

installation, which will now extend the length of Jefferson from Orchard to the River 

Rouge bridge and along Coolidge from Jefferson to Campbell, will more than double 

night visibility and help make River Rouge one of the best-lighted cities in Michigan. In 

addition to the illumination, which is immediately noticeable, River Rouge may soon 

discover some other benefits which seem to go hand-in-hand with better street 

lighting. According to a recent report prepared by the Office of Nationwide 

Information Services in Cleveland, Ohio, many cities have found that good street 

lighting stimulates community growth, inspires community spirit and pride, 

promotes business, cuts traffic accidents, reduces crime and actually saves more 

money than it costs. Cities that have lighted some of their streets report that modernized 

street lighting has reduced after-dark crime as much as 90 per cent. More than half of the 

night traffic deaths in some of these cities were prevented by improved street lighting. 

Merchants said they believe that the modern lighting will have a permanent good effect 

on their business. Bird‟s Eye View – One of River Rouge better known citizens, E. H. 

Gilbert, President of Gilbert Motor Sales, is here to say that the new fluorescent 

lights are sensational, to say the least. Returning home by plane from the south, 

Gilbert chanced to glance down on what he thought was Belle Isle. He saw a street 

laminated so effectively that he could make out the colors of the cars. It took him a 

couple of seconds before he realized he was seeing, for the first time, River Rouge‟s 

new street lights. “We were flying at 5,000 feet,” Gilbert said, “And I could see our 

showroom as thought it were daylight. Talk about being impressed – these new 

lights are sensational!” 

Shinner‟s & Shearer's Hold Joint Grand Opening – A Joint Grand Opening celebration 

was held yesterday by Shinner‟s Meat Market and Shearer‟s Bakery, in the new 

remodeled building at 10545 West Jefferson, R.R. The two businesses will continue to 

be operated under separate management, although they are located in the same building. 

Glass panels form a partition between the stores which are connected by two doors. Both 

have entrances from West Jefferson and at the rear of the building, which will be 

convenient to the proposed city-owned off-street parking lot, construction of which is 

scheduled to begin this spring. Shiner‟s Market has been managed for the past two 

years by Robert Beaudrie, a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School, who has 

been associated with the Shinner Company for 15 years. He is a self-employed, part 

owner of the business, one of the 36 in a chain of Shinner Meat Markets in Michigan, 

Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Ohio. Since 1943, when E. G. Shinner of Chicago 

established an employee‟s profit-sharing and retirement fund, each employee has been 

eligible to participate in the retirement program after a full year of service. Employees 

are not required to contribute to the fund. In November 1952, 175 Shinner Co. 

employees used the original fund to buy the company. Each year up to 15 per cent of 

the equivalent of employee‟s salaries, if the profits, permit, is paid into the 

retirement fund and credited to each employee. The Shinner Co., also has a cash 

profit-sharing system established by Shinner, which annually pay employees up to as 

much as 22 per cent dividend, based on their total year‟s wages. As a local Manager, 

Beaudrie is a shareholder with equal voice in the management of the concern. Shearer‟s 

Bakery has been in business in River Rouge for 13 years. When the late Patrick 

Shearer, a baker of 35 years experience, died in January, his wife, Barbara and son, 

Crawford, assumed ownership of the business. Mrs. Shearer, of 89 Maple, came to 

River Rouge with her husband 28 years ago from Scotland. Crawford attended 

River Rouge High School. The newly remodeled building designed by Arthur Greig 

and Associates, Architects, has a structural glass front in a modern black and white 

decorative design. The entrance floor is of colored terrazzo and the floors of the stores

are covered with vinyl plastic tile. Shinner‟s Market is laid out with meat, poultry and 

fish centers, the latest equipment for refrigeration, and a tiled window case for display. 

Shearer‟s has bakery space in the rear, display cases of white glazed ceramic tile and a 

separate receiving entrance. 


Pfc. Kenneth Adkins, 17, whose parents live at 79 E. Cicotte, recently participated 

in Exercise Roundup, an Army Training Maneuver in Austria. Adkins arrived 

overseas last October for duty as an Automatic Rifle Gunner in the 503d 

Reconnaissance Co. The former River Rouge High School student entered the 

Army in April 1954 and received basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. 

 

Cpl. Herbert W. Parent, Jr., whose wife, Carolyn lives at 372 Burke Ave., recently 

participated in Exercise Roundup an Army training maneuver in Austria. Cpl. 

Parent, whose parents live at 335 Sixth St., Wyandotte is a squad leader in 

Company H of the 350 th Infantry Regiment. He arrived overseas in January, 

1955. A former employee of Wyandotte General Hospital, the Corporal entered 

the Army in August, 1953 and completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Wash. 

Of Interest To Women 

Mrs. & Mrs. Don Gilbert of 139 Walnut spent the weekend in Traverse City, 

visiting Miss Bessie Packardy and Mrs. Eleanore Chaffee, Mrs. H. D. Benson of 

Washington D.C. is visiting with Mr. & Mrs. Don Gilbert at 139 Walnut. 

 

 

 

Mrs. Mary Bowdler of 17 ½ Goodell, was honored at a stork shower given last 

Sunday at 2:30pm by her sisters, Mrs. Gladys Brookey and Mrs. Pauline Antis, 

both of Detroit. The 15 guests played games and prizes were won, followed by a 

delicious luncheon. 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hamilton of 121 Leroy spent last Friday visiting Mr. 

Hamilton’s sister, Mrs. L. J. McCarthy of Harssens Island, who is ill at her home. 

Lt. and Mrs. Frank Valade of 133 Walnut, announce the birth of their daughter 

Michelle Jeannette, born on Mach 7 at the Providence Hospital, weighing six 

pounds and 13 ounces. Mrs. Valade is the former Margaret Maurice of Windsor, 

Canada. 

Panthers Win State Cage Crown In Final Two Minutes – by Joe Enright – A dazzling 

clutch performance in the final two minutes of play by River Rouge High‟s two watch 

charm guards, Herbie Wood and Lewis Brown, provided the margin of victory as the 

Panthers won the State Class B Basketball Title for the second straight year with a well 

earned 51 to 40 triumph over Buchanan Saturday afternoon at Jenison Field House on the 

Michigan State College campus in East Lansing. A capacity crowd of 11,768 fans saw 

River Rouge become the second team in Class B annals and the seventh club in the 

history of the tournament to win the title for the second straight year. While Wood and 

Brown were the hero‟s in closing minutes, the Panthers won the game with a fine 

team effort. Coach Loften Greene was lavish in his praise of the entire team after 

the game, citing the fine defensive work of Jim Childs and Henry Pollard, the clever 

playmaking of Brown and Wood, Walt Ector‟s excellent board play, and the usual 

brilliant scoring performance of forward Blanch Martin. Buchanan, the giant killer

of the tournament, with upset wins over St. Joseph and Lansing St. Mary on the way to 

the finals, was a good rangy team which featured the deliberate style of play. The Bucks 

were strong around the boards and excellent jump shooters, but in the end it was the 

famous full court press of the Panthers and their excellent stall in the closing minutes that 

meant victory. With only Blanche Martin back from last year‟s team, Greene took over a 

group of promising youngsters and molded them into a strong contender by mid- 

February. Things looked bleak early in the season when the Panthers were routed in two 

early games, but the Panther mentor never lost hope, predicting that his boys would be 

strong by the time the tournaments arrived. Now all the experts are calling him, 

“Prophet” Greene, for everything which Greene forecasted came true. The 

Championship encounter which was a replay of so many other Rouge games. The 

Panthers started slowly and trailed 4 – 0, and 8 – 4 early in the first quarter. Finally 

the Rouge gang found the range and jumped in front, 18 to 14, at the quarter. A 

perfect 10-for-10 mark at the free throw line featured the Rouge surge. Buchanan 

rallied in the second stanza as guard Larry Phoenix hit with several nice jump shots. All 

told, the score was tied six times in the first half and the lead changed hands another 13 

times before Buchanan managed a 31 to 30 edge at the buzzer. The third period was 

another nip and tuck affair, with Rouge and Buchanan taking turns holding the lead. 

Finally the Panthers jumped ahead, 42 to 41, just as the period ended. Early in the final 

quarter Rouge built up a six point lead on three beautiful goals by Blanche Martin, 

Chuck Richardson and Herb Wood. With 5:40 left, the Panthers led, 49 to 43, their 

biggest margin in the game. Rouge began to employ a semi-stall but Dick Smith hit 

on a jump shot for the Bucks and Larry Phoenix converted two free throws with 

2:52 left to clip the margin to two points. With less than three minutes left, Rouge 

went into its stall, but a violation cost the Panthers the ball and Jim Letcher was fouled. 

The big Buchanan pivot man had a chance to tie the score but he missed his second free 

throw and Rouge gained possession. Then came the Panther stall and victory. 

ADS 

1. D & D Food Mart – 10859 W. Jefferson Ave. - *Tender, juicy sirloin or round 

steak 39 cents a pound. * Frank’s Pure Ground Black Pepper, 3 oz. can 31 cents. 

* Seabrook Farms Frozen Strawberries (3) 10 oz. package 79 cents. * Maxwell 

House 1 pound (Drip, Reg., or Fine) (limit 1 to a customer) 83 cents. 

2. Shearer’s Bakery – 10545 W. Jefferson and Coolidge (next to Kresge) Free loaf of 

bread to the first 100 customers Friday morning also free samples of cake to all. 

Grand Opening Specials – Glaze or jelly donuts 55 cents a dozen. * Real Whip 

Cream puffs 15 cents each. * Devils Fudge cake 7” size 55 cents. 

3. Shinner’s – W. Jefferson at Coolidge *next to Kresge). “Grand Opening” (free 

balloons to the kiddies). Free Premiers Famous Hot Dogs for everyone. Children 

must be accompanied by an adult. Hurry! They’re free! Get yours today!. * 

Butter-Fresh creamery 92 score, limit 2 pounds to a customer 49 cents a pound. 

* Choice Center cut steer beech chuck roast 20 cents a pound. * Tender Young 

Pan Ready Fryer 49 cents a pound. * Cut-up chicken (legs – thighs – breasts) 59 

cents a pound. * Southern Star Canned Hams 69 cents a pound. 

4. Reno’s Cut Rate Drugs – Reno Building - * Pet Milk – tall can 11 cents per can. 

* Northern Tissue 7 cents. * Toni Home Permanents $1.35. * Nylon hose 59 

cents a pair. 

MARCH 31, 1955

City Leases Community Center Space – The entire facilities of Murray Local No. 2 hall 

have been obtained by the city for use as a Community Center, it was announced this 

week by Mayor M. Warren Duncan. Union members, meeting with Local 2 officials 

approved a long-term lease with the city at a rental fee of $50 a month. Formal 

presentation to the city will be made by union officials at a banquet in the near 

future and the center will be open to provide recreational facilities for children, 

teen-age and adult groups on September 10. Negotiations for the leasing of the 

building were made by City Attorney Kenneth Logan and Frank Weeber, Director of 

Recreation, meeting with Jack Shewchuk, Murray Federal Credit Union President and 

William Stevenson, Chairman of the Union Building Committee. The Recreational 

Department will be in charge of the operation of the Community Center, according 

to Weeber, with supervisory personnel provided by the United Foundation. Roy 

Cheff, Commissioner of Recreation, reported to City Council that a kitchen and snack bar 

are available for parties and that partitions will be erected to provide rooms for discussion 

groups. The city made arrangements to obtain the new center after it had received notice 

that Ann Visger School, location of the Community Center for about 13 years would be 

unable to provide space because of overcrowded conditions. “Future plans call for 

construction or purchasing of a building for a new Community Center in a centralized 

location, “ Mayor Duncan said, “and steps will be taken to begin the project as soon as 

we are assured it will not add to the taxes of our citizens.” 

500 Vets Apply For State Bonus – Over 500 applications for the Michigan State Bonus 

have been processed through the Ecorse Office of Veterans‟ Affairs since the application 

forms were made available to Korean veterans last Saturday, Joe J. Fowler, Veteran 

Counselor, announced yesterday. The number of applications processed by local 

veterans‟ organizations who have been aiding veterans in filing the forms has been 

estimated at over a hundred. Clubrooms will remain open through Friday to further assist 

veterans. The Veterans‟ Affairs office in the city hall annex is open daily Monday 

through Friday 9am – 4:30pm and Saturday at 9am until noon for the filing of 

applications. Applications may also be filed at the Recruiting Office, 15 E. Henry. 

Mayoral Race Draws Voters - A hotly contested mayoral race, contests for three 

commissioners and two constable posts and two local issues are expected to draw a 

record number of River Rouge voters to the polls Monday for the General Election. The 

campaign of the two mayoral candidates, incumbent M. Warren Duncan, and Edwin 

Walker have been picking up momentum daily, stepping up voter interest. 

Comparatively little campaign activity has been evidenced in the six-man race for 

commissioner, with Earl R. Beaudrie, Roy Cheff, Orlando Rinna, James Della Pella, 

Adam White and John Dioszegi vying for three council vacancies. Constable candidates 

are David Copeland, Fred X. Grant, Arthur G. Williams and Robert Cameron. 

Unopposed for re-election are incumbents P Thomas Redmond, Treasurer and Jerry J. 

Gagneau, Justice of the Peace. Voters will be asked to approve two local Charter 

Amendments as well as four State Constitutional Amendments; four County proposals (if 

taxpayers), or two county proposals (if non-taxpayers). The two local Charter City‟s 

Policemen and Firemen and the Employees Retirement Systems, making them similar to 

pension systems of other cities of comparable size in the Sate. City employees will 

benefit if local voters will express an affirmative vote on Proposition No. 1, which would 

change the Charter to liberalize pension benefits. Cost to the taxpayers would not be as 

much as when the pension system was adopted in 1947. The amendment, if approved, 

will give widows an opportunity to receive greater benefits if the husband dies in the 

service of the city. As city employees are not covered by Social Security, the only 

financial security that can be assured is that from the small benefits derived from the 

Pension System. Investments from the present system are being made in Government 

Bonds and local mortgages, the latter beneficial to River Rouge citizens. Proposal No. 2

on the local ballot would provide for Firemen and Policemen; 1/60 average final 

compensation, not limited, as it is now, to 30 years of service, but still limited to 70 per 

cent of pipe man‟s patrolman‟s wages; selection of option at retirement in place of the 

present voluntary retirement age of 55 years. It would also, if approved, provide for a 2 

year members‟ beneficiary to be covered in case of death, and provides for the protection 

of the beneficiary if a man on duty disability should die anytime within five years as a 

result of the injury sustained while on duty. The cost to the taxpayer should Proposition 

No. 2 be approved would amount to a half cent of payrolls annually. Vote Early, Please: 

In view of the anticipated heavy vote and the numerous city, county and state ballots to 

be marked by local electors, City Clerk John R. Osborn and Election Commission 

Chairman Kenneth J. Logan, urge River Rouge voters to go to the polls early Monday. 

Cooperation on the part of the voters will speed up tabulations of election returns when 

the polls close at 8pm. 


Sgt. James Jackson, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Love of 355 Polk was home on a 

25 day furlough before returning to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Sgt. Jackson has 

been in the service nine years and has been overseas in France three years. His 

wife Clara is residing at 355 Polk with his parents. 

 

 

 

A/2c William Edgerton, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Edgerton of 263 Goodell is 

home on leave for nine days. Bill is stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, 

Maryland. He attended River Rouge High School and entered the service in 

November of 1951. 

Pvt. Frank Jonas, son of Steve Jonas, 33 Elizabeth St., RR, recently arrived from 

Korea and is now a member of the 14 th Transportation Port Battalion. Jonas, a 

stevedore, entered the Army last September and completed basic training at 

Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. A graduate of River Rouge High School, he was 

employed by the New York Central Railroad in Detroit in civilian life. 

Pvt. Robert T. Jahn, 20, son of Mr. & Mrs. Otto Jahn, 113 Walnut, is a member of 

529 th Field Artillery Observation Battalion in Karswhe, Germany. Private Jahn, a 

flash range specialist with the Battalion’s Battery B, entered the Army in 

September and received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is a 1951 

graduate of River Rouge High School. 

Marine Steel Perfects New Steel Cruiser – Manufacturers of boats for the past 12 years, 

the Marine Steel and Welding Co. of 191 Campbell of River Rouge, has perfected a new 

type 21‟ steel cruiser. After two years of experimenting with various models the Marine 

Steeler “21” is ready for the market. The Marine Steeler “21” has a 7 1/2 “ beam, 63” 

freeboard, 10‟ – 6” cockpit and has capacity for two bunks, a galley and a toilet. 

Equipped with a 25 horsepower motor, it is capable of a speed 18 to 20 miles per hours. 

An authorized dealership has been granted the Marine Steel and Welding Co. by the 

Evinrude Motors Co. Frank Antya, formerly in business in River Rouge with the F & R 

Outboard Service, will be associated with the company and will have charge of the 

Outboard Motor Department. 


The D.R.C.S. Club held their meeting on March 25 at the home of Dorothy 

Paoletti of Wyandotte. They played Bunco and prizes were won by Bernice

Kunkosky, Marie Nichols, Helen Dupuis and Gladys Richardson. The next 

meeting will be held at the home of Bernice Kunkosky of 182 Division. 

The Social Club held their meeting on March 18 at the home of June Kapoks of 

49 W. Cicotte. They played games and prizes were won by Florence Steele, 

Mildred Totten and Foresi. This Friday at 8pm they will meet at Mildred Totten’s 

home on West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. 

The annual Bunny Hop, sponsored by Lourdes Youth Club will be held on 

Monday, April 11 from 9pm to 12pm in the auditorium. Admission is $1.00 per 

person. Music will be featured by Jimmy Brown and his band. 

Tourney Notes 

The River Rouge High School came in for its share of recognition in the All 

Tournament teams selected by the various reporters at the finals. Blanche 

Martin was selected on the Free Press All-Tournament Squad. The Detroit News 

selected their teams by classes, and every Rouge starter was an All-Star. Martin, 

Herb Wood and Jim Childs made the first team, while Walt Ector and Lew Brown 

were second team choices. 

 

 

 

 

For the second straight year, the Panthers benefitted from some excellent 

scouting reports from Assistant Coach Ed Futrell and Athletic Director Frank 

Weeber. These two gentlemen travelled over 600 miles to watch the quarter 

final clash between Negaunee and Mt. Pleasant to get some data on Rouge’s 

next foe. Futrell then did the main accounting job on Buchanan at the semifinals. 

The Athletic Director Frank Weeber did his usual fine job in supplying tickets for 

Rouge fans. Of course you must remember that the teams were limited to 400 

ducats for the finals so Weeber couldn’t do much when the supply was 

exhausted. 

The Panthers enjoyed their first victory celebration immediately after the final 

game at the Famous Grill in Lansing. A fine dinner was served and enjoyed by all. 

Rouge Captain Blanche Martin had a great time transporting the championship 

trophy around Lansing in the early evening. Biggest thrill the Rouge lads got was 

showing the trophy to Dearborn Coach Carl Fiegle, whose team had edged Rouge 

out of the Twin Valley Conference Crown after four straight years. 

APRIL 7, 1955 

Duncan Elected to Unprecedented Sixth Term As Mayor; Electors Cast Near Record 

Vote Monday – History was made at the polls here Monday when the people of River 

Rouge re-elected Mayor M. Warren Duncan as their Chief Executive for an 

unprecedented sixth term. Near record vote of 5771 gave Duncan 3,075 to 2,432 for 

Edwin Walker, his opponent for the city‟s top elective post. Walker gave up his seat on 

the council to run for the office of mayor and as a result of his unsuccessful bid for the 

post, he is now retired from public life. The majority of the electors voted their approval 

of Mayor Duncan‟s outstanding ten-year record as a progressive and aggressive 

administrator of River Rouge‟s affairs. Returned to office were Commissioner Roy H.

Cheff who led in the council race with 2883 votes, and Earl R Beaudrie who tallied 

2,764. An impressive vote of 2,272 was cast for Orlando A. Rinna, a political newcomer. 

Unsuccessful candidates were John L. Dioszegi, James Della Pella and Adam H White. 

The highest number of votes accorded to a candidate was cast for Jerry Gagneau, Justice 

of the Peace, who polled 4,058. An incumbent and unopposed for the office, Judge 

Gagneau has held the post since 1927. He was 32 years‟ experience in court work in 

River Rouge. P. Thomas Redmond, unopposed for his fourth term as Treasurer, polled 

3,944 votes. Elected as constables were David J. Copeland, 2019 votes and Fred Grant, 

2004 votes. Defeated candidates were Arthur G. Williams and Robert Cameron. River 

Rouge voters approved two charter amendments liberalizing pensions for city employees 

and policemen and firemen. The city employee proposal won 3,853 to 78 and the second 

proposal won 3,715 to 975. 

Two Girls Are Spelling Bee Champs – Two fifth graders, both girls will represent 

Northrup and Ann Visger schools in the Detroit News District Spell Down April 22 at 

Memorial School in Garden City. Susan Holmes of 35 Frazier, won the Northrup School 

title for the second time last Friday on the world “persuade”. Opelia Stinson was runnerup. 

The Ann Visger Champion was Nancy Horvath of 4 Perrin, who spelled “reindeer” 

correctly. Runner-up was Judith Cluff of 24 Elizabeth. The local school champions 

hope to get into the final of the Detroit News Metropolitan Bee, to be held on May 6 

in the Rachham Educational Memorial in Detroit. The winner of the final will go to 

Washington for the National Bee, May 19. Twenty pupils from the fifth and sixth 

grades at each school competed for the championship. Northrup‟s bee lasted two hours, 

and Nancy won the Ann Visger title in 50 minutes. Members of the fifth grade team 

competing for the title at Ann Visger were , Nancy, Lester Settles, Marcia Patten, Daniel 

Nebelung, Patricia Butler, Jerry Blankenship, Diane Lambart, Sandra Bradley, Patricia 

Nessel and Michael Boutin: On The sixth grade team were Judy, Martha Heine, 

Teresa Williams, Ann Nix, Russel Gillum, Danny Boyd, Glennis Thomas, J. T. 

Rhymer, Mike Kelly, and Arthur Lambart. Fifth and Sixth grade contestants for 

the Northrup School spelling title were listed in the Herald last week. 

Old World Customs Keep Pair Busy During Holidays – Religious holiday plays havoc 

with the daily routines of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stanley of 227 Campbell. During the 

Easter and Christmas seasons Mrs. Stanley‟s artistic talents take precedence over 

every day chores as she creates traditional works of art native to the Ukraine where 

she was born. Working only from a mental picture of a Russian Orthodox Church 

in a Ukrainian village, Stanley constructed the three foot edifice of cardboard and 

wood. Three minaret rise from the domed roof and the altar is designed around an 

ivory and gold crucifix, easily viewed through to two entrances. Various types of 

wallpaper and metallic materials were used for a realistic effect. It took Stanley, a 

welder at Whitehead & Kales for the past 30 years, less than four month, working 

evenings to complete the impressive church. He has lived in America since he came 

here from the Ukraine 40 years ago. Although they both are from the same village the 

Stanley‟s met and married in America. Mrs. Stanley, who came to Canada 25 years ago 

has lived in River Rouge 18 years. Other festive occasions such as weddings, 

graduations and births call for hand-made gifts considered good luck charms in the 

Ukraine. Mrs. Stanley makes all of these with deft fingers. The Stanley‟s have a 

daughter, Lillian, 13, whose handiwork is second only to her mother and a son, Bill 17, 

whose main interest in life just now is sports. Both are students at River Rouge High 

School. For the past month Mrs. Stanley has been coloring Easter eggs in gay patterns. 

Next week she‟ll add the baking of fancy breads to the egg-coloring pastime. She uses 

the complicated Batik system to achieve intricate designs on hundreds of East eggs. 

Painstakingly she draws with beeswax a pattern on each egg which is thin dipped into a 

dye. The finishing touches are hand-painted. The breads, shaped into braids, twists

and floral designs, are baked and taken to church for special blessing before they 

are served at the holiday table on Easter. Mr. Stanley conceived the idea for his 

creative project, a church, last Christmas. A masterpiece of artistry and patience it has 

been set up on a table to be viewed by guests. 

Balaze Greets Atom Test Assignment – Louise Balaze, Chief of Detectives in River 

Rouge, will participate in the field exercises connected with the Federal Civil Defense 

Administration‟s April 26 A-Bomb “open shot” at the Nevada Test Site of the Atomic 

Energy Commission. The “open shot” is the latest in a continuing study of civil effects 

of nuclear detonations which has been part of the program at the Nevada Test Site since it 

was put into operation in 1951. Federal Civil Defense Administrator Val Peterson has 

announced that, for the first time, some 350 Civil Defense workers will actually take part 

in the Civil defense Field exercises. For example, members of the Civil Defense Rescue 

Service will go into forward areas to “recue” manikins from bomb-blasted houses, 

Engineering Service Personnel will work with FCDA Staff engineers in analyzing 

building for blast damage, and Casualty Care Specialists will set up a First Aid station 

and bring in “casualties” from the blast area. Balaze, who has been River Rouge Civil 

Defense Director since the office was organized in 1941, will work in the Police Service 

at the “open shot”. He‟s married, has a daughter, Suzanne and lives at 96 Walnut. 

Lourdes Cub Scouts Make Costumes – Last Wednesday Cub Scouts of Our Lady of 

Lourdes Cub Scout Pack RR-3 made “Knights of the Round Table” costumes under the 

director of their Scoutmaster, Floyd Murray. The following boys received Bob Cat 

Awards: Joseph Dialczyk, Garry DeShetler, Stanley Danowski, Alfred Letourneau 

Dennis Peters, John Spampinato and Louis Stamper. Wolf Badges went to: Victor 

Zimbiec, David Moore, Gold Arrows under the Wolf Badges were presented to: Victor 

Zimbiec, James Beyer, Edward Cheff, James Hoff, William Hughes and John Kapufay. 

Silver Arrows under the Wolf Badge was awarded to: David Murray and two Silver 

Arrows to Victor Zimbiec. Bear badge: Patrick Little and Gold Arrows under the Bear 

badge went to David Brooks, Jerome Colaton, Gary Domino, Peter Hammer, Charles 

Laginess. Silver Arrows under the Bear badge went to John Murray. Gold Arrow under 

the Lions badge went to Ronald Ardouin, Paul Hoff, Robert Sebastionelli, Arthur Shells 

and Daniel Smith. Silver Arrows under the Lion badge: David Domino and Daniel 

smith. Two plaques were presented for five years service to Mr. & Mrs. Al Theeck and 

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bondy. 

Boy, Girl Win Marble Contest – Two sharp-eyed contestants in the Marble Guessing 

Contest at D & D Food Mart were amazingly accurate in estimating the number of 

marbles contained in a giant sized bag. Mary Affholter of 77 W. Westfield, Ecorse and 

Bobby Medison of 323 Burke, RR each missed the 564 total by only one marble. Harry 

Dubbs, Manager of D & D , located at 10859 W. Jefferson, RR, says the contents of the 

large bag will be split between the winners, who may pick up their prizes at the store. 

Nearly 500 youngsters entered the month-long contest conducted at D & D by Post 

Toasties, a General Foods Product. The contest ended Saturday. 

Spring Clean-Up Do‟s & Don‟ts – Spring clean-up around the house is largely a do-ityourself 

job – but there are some things an average householder is better off not trying 

himself, warns Fire Inspector Tom Moore of River Rouge and Richard Penny of Ecorse. 

Here are the Inspectors list of “do‟s & don‟ts” for Spring Clean-Up in River Rouge and 

Ecorse: Do clean out closets, basements and attics – get rid of cast-off clothing and 

linens, broken furniture, paper, rags and the entire accumulation of trash: Do paint or 

replace old wood inside and out: Do straighten up your yard – clear out last summer‟s 

dried grass and weeds and any other quick-burning trash. Don‟t attempt to do any 

electrical work yourself – leave new wiring, servicing of appliances and replacing of 

frayed cords to competent electricians. Don‟t tinker with your stove or furnace – have 

them cleaned, inspected and repaired by trained service men Don‟t bring flammable

cleaning fluids into your home – use only safe fluids or send your things out to the 

cleaners. Don‟t – by all means – give fire a place to start which, the inspectors say, is the 

whole point to a Spring Clean-Up. 

The Legend of Dogwood – There is a legend, that the time of the Crucifixion the 

dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the 

tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel 

purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His 

gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it: “Because of our regret and pity for my 

suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. 

Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form 

of a cross – two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each 

petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust, and in the center of the flower will be a 

crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember.” 

New Long Torso For Sportswear – One thing is certain in looking forward to Spring 

1955: The new long torso, higher bust line silhouette with the long, supple and eased 

body line will dominate sportswear. Manufacturers are showing more sheer wools in 

separates and costumes. Span-season merchandise is the form of linen-like rayon‟s, 

worsted cottons and cotton tweed are due for new prominence. Dacron and Dacron – and 

– wool blends are receiving emphasis in spring dresses and separate. Biggest news in 

sweaters for spring is the introduction of a longer length, said fashion writers. Sweaters 

are expected to be carried through for summer wear with more scoop necklines, more 

synthetics, cottons and other lightweight fibers. New importance for cotton knits is seen 

in bulky stitches, liked for summer jackets, and fine sweater-like treatments. The new 

look for spring separates centers on over-blouses, yoker skirts, knife-pleats and long 

jackets. The jackets, with slim or pleated skirts, are big for spring in wools, linen and 

linen-like rayon‟s. Many pleated or flared skirt seem fuller by the use of sheer, 

lightweight cottons. Simple shirtwaist tops, both tuck-in and over-blouse. Types, and 

camisole or tanks with higher, square-cut or shallow scoop necklines are fashion leaders. 

Silk Suiting‟s Span The Season – Lightweight silk suiting‟s will play the major role in 

the late spring-into-summer suit story for 1955. Rustic silk weaves, dupions and silk 

tweeds (some in monotone nubby effects, others in mixed colors) are regarded as the 

backbone of late spring suit styles. Cotton continues as the top suit choice for spring and 

post-spring. Quality types including blends of silk and cotton, linen and cotton, brocaded 

cottons and tweedy mixtures are favorite high fashion choices. Linens in fine silk-like 

weaves, linen tweeds and lightly slubbed monotone linens in sheer weights are strong 

considerations in designer plans for late spring. The longer jacket silhouette is expected 

to bloom as the leading spring-into-summer type. The lightweight rustic silks, in sheer 

linens and polished cottons, the slim box coat and the fitted dress coat are most popular 

candidates for town wear as well as suburban wear. Cropped short coats, some waist 

length and bloused and proportioned to complement full shirts, are popular in lightweight 

wools and colored cashmere. 

Our Men in the Armed Service 

Pfc. Robert T. Lisicki, son of Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Lisicki, 365 Genessee St. RR. 

Graduated recently from Jump School at Fort Bragg N.C., to become a full 

fledged Army Paratrooper. A medical Specialist with the 77 th Special Forces 

Group, Pvt. Lisicki made five actual jumps to complete the course and earn the 

distinctive badge that paratroopers are entitled to wear. 

 

March 27, 1955 – Dear Sir: I wish to thank you for sending the River Rouge 

Herald to me in Germany where I am stationed. It is always nice to know the 

things that are going on at home. The home newspaper is like a friend and a

long letter to me. When a man is over 4,000 miles away from home he finds 

comfort and doesn’t feel so far from home when he is reading his town paper. It 

gives him news about his friends and his growing city that he lives in. He knows 

the reason why he is over here more. It makes him sit down and think of the 

loved ones that are at home. That is all I have to say, except to thank you once 

again for sending the Herald to me. If any of my friends would like to write me, I 

would appreciate it very much, my address is: Cpl. Robert J. DeWing, 93r 

Engineer co. (Float Brg.) A.P.O. 35, New York, N.Y. 

Pvt. Raymond L. Smith, son of Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette Smith, 321 Holford, RR, has 

completed the Medical Training Centers eight-week course of advanced basic 

training at Brook Army Medical Center. Private Smith, a 1952 graduate of River 

Rouge High and an Alumni of Wayne University, entered the Army last 

November. 

ADS 

1. D & D Food Mart – 10859 W. Jefferson Ave. – free to the first 500 - real live 

Easter chick will be given to each child that visits our store … accompanied by 

their parents only! Saturday, April 9 th 2 to 4pm Nothing to buy. * Whole or 

Shank Hams 53 cents a pound. * Ham Hawaiian for Easter – Dole Hawaiian 

sliced pineapple 35 cents a can. 

2. Gilbert Motor Sales – 10955 W. Jefferson – “Don’t settle for a 1949 engine in 

your new 1955 truck!. The most important engine advancement in years is 

revolutionizing truck power! It’s short-stroke design. Make sure you get it in 

your new truck – Look Under The Hood! Only Ford gives you a modern short 

stroke engine, V-8 or Six, in every truck. Ford’s got for Short stroke V-8’s and a 

Short Stroke Six … with engineering refinements resulting from five billion miles 

of service! Why settle for an outdated long-stroke engine A short-stroke 

engine gives you more for your money now and protects your truck’s ultimate 

trade-in value, too! 

3. Kresge’s (West Jefferson at Coolidge) – Blooming Easter Plants. Choose from our 

large selection. Hydrangeas $2.49 to $4.49 Lilies $2.49 to $2.98 Rose Bushes 

$3.98. Azalea $1.98 to $3.98. Special orchid corsage $1.95. 


Police To Sponsor Week-Long Tribute to Young People – The city‟s adults will 

telescope into one week the esteem in which they hold their young people when River 

Rouge observes Youth Week April 17 through 23. A proclamation of Mayor M. Warren 

Duncan, River Rouge will participate in the county-wide observance of Youth Week 

sponsored by the Police Departments of each community. At Tuesday night‟s council 

meeting Mayor Duncan named Police Chief Ralph Phillips to represent the city in civicsponsored 

activities pertaining to Youth Week. Chief Phillips, in turn, appointed Sgt 

Loren Pittman of the Police Department Youth Bureau, to direct and coordinate the overall 

program being planned in tribute to juveniles by city and school officials and various 

groups interested in youth activities. Pittman, aware of the important role local 

organizations have assumed in providing recreational, educational and social activities

for young people, is soliciting their assistance in planning special programs. A civil 

program is being planned at which River Rouge‟s young people will be guests of honor. 

City and School Board Officials; Representatives of the City‟s 18 churches; Great 

Lakes Steel Corp and Local 1299-USA, Officials; and Officers of Service, Patriotic, 

Fraternal Civic and Social Organizations who offer planned, supervised activities 

for youth will pay tribute to the city‟s young people at the celebration. Pittman, who 

handles all juvenile crime cases in River Rouge, has been making a survey of the 

opportunities for leisure time activities offered youngster by the groups. He attributes the 

low juvenile crime rate here to the outstanding work being done with young people by 

local organizations. “These groups are greatly responsible for keeping our young people 

occupied with healthful, enjoyable activities,” Pittman observed. “We hope to give them 

public recognition for their outstanding contributions to the youth of the city.” Among 

the more comprehensive programs cited by Pittman are those conducted by the 

Department of Recreation; the Board of Education; Local 1299-USA and Great 

Lakes Steel Corp.; Red Feather sponsored community centers and the business and 

industry sponsored Junior Achievement Program. The idea for Youth Week 

originated with Circuit Judge Ira W. Jayne. At his suggestion Police Commissioner 

Edward S. Piggins requested police chiefs throughout Wayne County to cooperate by 

sponsoring the week-long recognition of youth in their community. 

PROCLAMATION: To the Citizens of River Rouge; Whereas: The week of April 17 

23, 1955, has been designated a Youth Week throughout Wayne County, and Whereas: 

We can look upon the Youth of River Rouge with pride and respect and we recognize 

that our young people of today will be our nation‟s leaders of tomorrow, and Whereas: 

We, the adult population of River Rouge, wish to pay our respects to our young people, 

and we discharge with honor and distinction our share of responsibility that we rightfully 

owe them, Now, Therefore, I, M. Warren Duncan Mayor of the City of River Rouge, do 

hereby proclaim the week of April 17 through 23, 1955, as Youth Week, and Further: I 

urge the adult of our city to participate in paying honor and respect to our young people. 

M. Warren Duncan, Mayor. 

Add Standby Service For Storm Water – A standby service line to bring River Rouge‟s 

pumping station to capacity efficiency is scheduled for completion by the end of the 

month according to George A. Deering, DPW Superintendent. Nearly six months‟ 

construction work for remodeling of the city‟s pumping station and the laying of 

underground cable for the new power line is nearing completion. The Detroit Edison 

Company is installing the new power line which will, Deering said, “provide an 

almost foolproof service for storm water pumping.” Cost of the auxiliary service to 

the city will be $75 per month less 3 per cent discount for prompt payment. The fee will 

be in addition to the regular charge for metered service under the present municipal 

pumping agreement. “With this new standby service,” Deering said, “we will be able to 

prevent a recurrence of the situation six years ago when, during a heavy rainstorm, almost 

every basement in the city was flooded. “The pumping station will be operated on a 

double throw switch system,” Deering continued, “by which the standby service 

may be thrown into immediate operation in the event of an emergency.” The 

installation of the second service connection will bring River Rouge‟s 32-year-old 

pumping plant to maximum efficiency. Located on West Jefferson at the D.T. & I 

Railroad tracks, the building in which the pumping equipment is housed was first 

constructed for use as a lighting plant in 1910. A small pump was installed for sewage. 

When the city changed its lighting system in 1923 to better illuminate the newly widened 

and paved Jefferson Ave., additional pumping facilities were required. Heavier pumps 

were added to the one small pump to carry the load so the city‟s sanitary system was 

expanded. 

Of Interest To Women

The phrase, “bread & butter” became part of the framework of the English 

language because these two foods are basic in the daily menu. Butter gives 

flavor and moistness to bread. It also has a flavor carrying factor that makes its 

use standard in sandwiches. Butter actually distributes the goodness of the 

filling throughout the sandwich. Since butter is so delicate a spread, it must be 

protected from air, light, the hazards of shipment and from stronger flavored 

foods near it. It will stay creamery – fresh if packaged in parchment or foil wrap 

plus a paraffined carton. Unless used immediately at home, butter should be 

kept in the carton to guard against more dominant flavored foods in the home 

refrigerator: Flavored Butter Spreads: (enough for 40 canapés or tea 

sandwiches). (1) Soften ½ cup butter. Add ½ cup finely chopped watercress and 

1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon minced 

onion. Mix well. (2) Soften ½ cup butter. Add 2 tablespoons horseradish and 3 

tablespoons minced pimento. Mix well. (3) Soften ½ cup butter. Add 1 small 

can deviled ham, 1 teaspoon prepared mustard and 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco. Mix 

well. 

The Junior Canteen of the River Rouge Community Center, a Torch Fund Agency, 

will present an informal dance, “Spring Jamboree”, on Friday, April 15, from 7pm 

to 10:30pm in the Ann Visger gym. The dance will be opened to teen-agers of 

River Rouge High School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Music will be 

furnished by Tom Marshall’s Band. There will be a donation of 40 cents per 

person or 70 cents per couple. Spring Jamboree is the first dance that the 

Planning Committee of the Junior Canteen will conduct for all teen-agers. Mary 

McGuire is Chairman and Gerry Chapman is the Vice Chairman of the Canteen. 

The following people are on the Refreshment Committee: Steve McKrinski, Tom 

Beaudrie, Mary Ellen Stevenson and Beverly Murray. Publicity Committee: 

Francis Zitnik and Howard LeVigne. Band Committee: Steve McKinski and the 

Decoration Committee: Frances Zitnik, Tom Beaudrie, Beverly Murray, Mary 

Ellen Stevenson, Richard King and Frank King. Parents are welcomed to come to 

the dance. 

Tom Connell Rebuilding Bear Team – by Joe Enright - While the Easter holidays have 

put a crimp in baseball practice sessions at Lourdes High, Coach Tom Connell is working 

hard as the opening game of the Bear schedule is only a week away. Connell is faced 

with a difficult rebuilding chore this season as most of last year‟s West Side 

Championship nine have graduated. Only hard-hitting Chuck Kelly and outfielder Ed 

Drabczyk are back from last year, with Kelly expected to shift from catching to third base 

to make room for backstop Art Murray. Jim Bates looks like a sure bet at shortstop, with 

Ralph Lozon the leading first base candidate. Pitching could be the real headache for 

Connell, as both ace Tom Sluder and reliefer Jim Laginess are gone. At present it looks 

like sophomore Ray Haener, a fast baller, will be the Bears‟ top hurler, with Tom 

Cazabon also in the picture. It is a bit early to make any predictions, but the Bears could 

make a first rate stand in defense of the West Side Title if the pitching holds up and 

Connell can find a couple of good hitters for the outfield berths.

Rouge Nine, Railsplitters In Opener – by Joe Enright – Coach Jack Wise‟s River Rouge 

High School baseball team will open its campaign to win the Twin Valley Conference 

title Tuesday afternoon at Great Lakes field when the Panthers meet defending champion 

Lincoln Park at 3:45pm. A triumph for Rouge would supply a big lift for the local nine 

as they seek the TVC Crown. Southpaw Harry “Biff” Lozon is expected to get the 

mound assignment for the Panthers, with George Osmond in reserve. Lozon pitched well 

against the Parkers last year, losing a tough game to Coach Tom Noland‟s aggregation. 

While Rouge has two veteran pitchers returning, Lincoln Park has lost his two veteran 

hurlers, Dick Close and Dick Persitti, so Rouge should enjoy an edge in the mound 

department. 

ADS 

1. Cassidy’s Bargains – 10402 West Jefferson - For Sale - * Dress Shop – Heart of 

River Rouge. Good income. Low Rent, Price $3,000. * Linden Street – three 

bedroom single. Gas heat, three car garage. Large Lot $14,500.00, $4,500.00 

down. * Maple St. – 3 bedrooms, 1 floor house. New oil furnace. 1 car garage. 

Price $10,000.00. $2,000.00 down. * Grocery and 2 Family Dwelling – One 4 

room apartment and One 7 room apartment. Beer & Wine License included. 

$5,000.00 down. 

2. Grinnell’s – 10454 West Jefferson – Band Instruments Bargain! Demonstrators, 

Rental Returns and Used Instruments. All must go at as much as half off regular 

price. Accordions, Cornets, Trumpets, Trombones, Flutes, Clarinets, Violins and 

Guitars. Come early and take your pick. Instrument as low as $10.00. Easy 

Terms. 

3. West End Lumber Co. – 10156 West Jefferson - * Aluminum Combination – 

combination door, $38.50 Grille and Letter extra. Installation $7.50. *Plaster 

Board – Knotty Pine Plaster Board $3.05. * 4 X 8 3/8 sheet $1.76. *Ball Top 

Fence Posts $1.40. 

4. Johnson The Jeweler – 10522 West Jefferson – Good Looking! Well Made! Silver 

plated salt & pepper set Special $1.00 per pair. Better hurry in today and grab a 

few pairs while they last. Exceptional value at this Amazing Low Price. 

Gracefully styled 4 ½ “ high attractively gift packaged. 

5. Falklam Hardware – 11328 West Jefferson – It’s Spring Value Time! – Fix Up and 

Clean-Up. * Plastic garden hose $2.98 – 5 year guarantee. All-plastic green 

garden hose, light weight, easy to carry and use. 50 ft. length coupled. * Lawn 

mower $16.95. It will be a pleasure to care for your lawn with this quiet, easyrunning, 

ball-bearing mower. Has 16” cut; is rubber-tired, self sharpening. * 

Rake 79 cents, strong steel tines, 21 tooth 48” liquored handle. Cleans lawns 

efficiently. 


996 To Get Free Salk Shots – City Starts Next Monday – Nine hundred and ninety-six 

first and second graders in River Rouge public and parochial schools will get shots of 

Salk Polio Vaccine next week. The inoculations will start Monday and continue through 

the week. The inoculations will be administered to the youngsters under the free vaccine 

program of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The inoculation program 

will be conducted in River Rouge by Dr. Broderson, who will be assisted by teams of

volunteer physicians, Florence Shechan, Supervisor of the Department of Health; 

City Nurses Mrs. Loretta Gallar and Mrs. Ruth Ryles; School Nurse Laura Gats, 

Teachers and School Personnel. Only children in the first and second grades whose 

parents have signed and returned the request slips will receive the immunization shots, 

according to Dr. Broderson. The authorization slips were sent to the parent from the 

offices of Glenn K. Bowen, Superintendent of Public Schools and to the parents of 

the parochial school children from Mother John Therese. The initial shots will be 

followed in a month by a second inoculation, and the third and last from seven to 12 

months later. “The second inoculation program will start May 23”, Dr. Broderson 

announced Tuesday, “and the third, or booster shot will be administered sometime next 

January. The two shots to be given to the children before the school year will protect 

them this summer.” Parents are urged to take advantage of the immunization program by 

Dr. Broderson, who calls attention to the fact that vaccination has been found up to 90 per 

cent effective against infantile paralysis. 

What Didn‟t James Do – For the next month James Carl Price of 99 E. Henry, River 

Rouge, will be taking his meals at Clinton and Beaubien streets, in Detroit, the guest of 

the County of Wayne and Sheriff Andrew Baird. The 24 year-old Steelworker 

received a 30 day jail term last Friday from Judge Alexander Barbour of Ecorse, 

Justice Court. All Price did to receive his “vacation” was to be found guilty of 

driving without lights and without a Michigan license; hitting a parked car with 

resulting injury to a Detroit woman; leaving the scene of the accident, and running a 

stop street. To top it off, Price admitted to the Judge that he was driving under the 

influence of liquor. Ecorse Police Officer‟s Marcott and Ture reported that they were 

chasing Price down Jefferson Avenue last Friday and witnessed the entire affair. They 

stated that they were finally forced to run Price‟s car off the road to make him stop. The 

injured woman, Genevieve Karpowicz, 29, of 10874 St. Louis, Detroit, was treated for 

arm injuries and released. 

$10,180,300 Assessment Hike For 1955 – 1956 Due To Industry – Council approved 

unanimously Tuesday night the $70,973,070 assessments of real and personal property in 

River Rouge as set by the Board of Review. The final assessment figures reached by the 

Board were submitted to Council by City Assessor Arthur L. Valade who pointed out that 

the assessed valuation in River Rouge for the 1955-1956 fiscal year has increased 

$10,180,300 over last year. Personal property (which includes plant equipment, 

business fixtures and incidentals other than real estate), is valued at $42,743,380 and 

real estate at $28,230,690. The hike in the assessed valuation is chiefly due to industrial 

expansion with the largest increases reflected about equally by the Detroit Edison Co. and 

the Great Lakes Steel Corp. Edison‟s new power plant now under construction, will 

house in one of the projects buildings, the two largest steam turbine-generators in the 

world. Assessments remained about the same as last year, Valade said, on other larger 

industries, such as Whitehead & Kales, Fabricon, U.S. Gypsum Co., Nicholson Terminal 

& Dock and several oil company subsidiaries. Stocks and other personal property items 

of other corporations also added to the total, the largest in the city‟s history. The nearly 

$71,000,000 assessed valuation was $145,440 higher than the tentative figure for the 

fiscal year which starts July 1, submitted by Valade to the Council on March 15. 

Council at that time, on the recommendation of Commissioner Earl R. Beaudrie, Finance 

Committee Chairman, voted to cut the city‟s tax rate 50 cents per thousand of assessed 

valuation, the city‟s lowest since 1945. Valade, Roger Carrington and John Digna, who 

sat as members of the Board of Review, heard only one inquiry from a property owner 

who asked why a certain tax figure had been placed on a 40 X 220 lot. According to 

Valade the assessment was explained satisfactorily to the taxpayer. 

Three Win Quilts – Winners of the quilts given as prizes at Our Lady of Lourdes Rosary 

Altar Society party last Thursday night at the school hall were: Mrs. Pearl Girrbach of

289 Richter; M. Boyden of 160 Goodell and Nellie Barton of 24 E. Anchor. Aprons 

made by the members were table prizes. 

Carnival Coming – Every spring for 20 years American Legion Post 314 has brought 

Carnivals to River Rouge. The Legion‟s traditional carnival will arrive for a ten day 

stand on Thursday, May 8, and the Downriver Amusement Company‟s setting up its 

carnival equipment on Marion behind McClure Buick, site of this year‟s Carnival. 

Win Awards – For the first three months of 1955 forty earned awards for faithful 

attendance at Christ Lutheran Sunday School were given. Following scored perfect for 

thirteen Sundays: Susan Malcolm, Ruth Ann Fox, Lillian, Michael, William and Judy 

Peer, Joanne Robinette, William Worden, Janet Smith, Shirley Charron, Dianne and 

Arthur Lambart, Donald Kretzschmar, Carol and Robert Farkas, Brian Hazzard, Esther 

Harchis and the following staff members: Miss Marlene Spikberg, Miss Majorie 

Konarske, Miss Deanna Frantz, Miss Meta Yuerhs, Mrs. Argustus Harchis, Pastor and 

Mrs. Carl R. Kretzschmar. Fifteen missed but once in the three months: Paul Howland, 

Dianne Charron, Robert Smith, Larry and James Ritter, Charlotte Spikberg, Robert 

Kretzschmar, Sally Van Canneyt, Jacqueline Yops, Lois Lindeman, Alfred Farkas, John 

and James Peer, and Misses Charlene Monsetti and Jean Konarske of the staff. 

For Champs – Banquet Circuit Nears Windup – The civic banquet Monday night saluting 

Rouge Highs State Class “B” cage Champions will just about complete the banquet 

circuit for the Panthers, who have been royally entertained since winning the State 

Crown. A group of business men honored the Panthers with a victory dinner and the City 

and Board of Education combined for another feast. Last Saturday evening the Men‟s 

Club of Beechwood Community Center entertained the boys with dinner and a trip to 

Olympia to watch the basketball game between the Harlem Globetrotters and College All 

Stars. 

Bears Open Title Defense Today – Lourdes Bears will open defense of the Catholic 

League First Division West Side Baseball Crown today (Thursday) when they meet at 

Memorial Field, Thirteen Mile Rd. and Woodward at 4pm. The game is the first for both 

clubs in loop play and will give Bear followers a chance to size up Lourdes‟ chances for 

the year. Coach Tom Connell is hoping that his boys can get off to a flying start, but the 

picture is not too rosy at the local school. Graduation cut deeply into the team of last 

year, with only Chuck Kelly and Ed Drabczyk returning. That means that seven 

newcomers will dot the starting lineup. Right now it looks like sophomore Ray Haener 

will get the starting mound chore for the Bears, although Tom Cazabon also is ready. Art 

Murray will probably be the batterymate. 

Rouge Downs Melvindale, Monroe in Season‟s Debut – Coach Roy Krueger‟s River 

Rouge High Track Team opened its 1955 Campaign with two impressive wins during the 

past week. The Panthers downed a strong Monroe Team 63 ¾ - 45 1/4 , on Wednesday 

and then routed Melvindale, 91 to 18, Friday at Heuer Field. It was an auspicious debut 

for the local thinclads, who hope to improve enough to challenge for the State 

Crown this year. With this in mind, the Panthers are making plans to compete in 

the Central Michigan College relays on Saturday, April 30, at Mt. Pleasant. Monroe 

was expected to supply a real test for Rouge, and the Trojans did just that. Strength in the 

distance races and in the two relay events proved the difference in the meet. Monroe was 

very strong in the dashes but Rouge matched this with one-two finishes in the hurdles. 

The Trojans also did well in the field events, especially the pole vault and shot put. 

Blanche Martin won the 100 yard dash for Rouge in 10.5 seconds. Willie Burgess 

took the 880 in 2:07.9 while Herb Wood won the mile in 4:47.3. Richard Frazier 

took both hurdle races with teammate Joe Louis Johnson a close second. Three 

Panthers tied for first in the high jump as Frazier, Walt Ector and Bob Douglas 

reached 5‟6”. Rouge‟s Medley team of Herman Ector, Walter Ector, Larry Ramsey and 

Robert Wilson won easily as did the sprint relay team of Herman Ector, Ozell Bankhead,

Blanche Martin and Dick Frazier. Melvindale was no match for the Panthers. The Dales 

have a young team and were unable to match Rouge. Rouge won every event except the 

medley relay, in which the Panthers were disqualified for a faulty baton pass after an easy 

triumph, and the pole vault, where Lorimer Ramsey had to share first place. Blanche 

Martin copped the 100 while Ozell Bankhead took the 220. Levi Johnson won the 

quarter mile while Willie Burgess edged Ronald Wade in the 880 and Herb Wood 

defeated Jim Bently in the mile run. Joe Louis Johnson upset Dick Frazier in the high 

hurdles but Frazier came back to beat Johnson in the lows. Herman Ector won the 

broad jump while Walt Ector and Bob Douglas tied for first in the high jump. Jim 

Childs led a sweep in the shot put. The Panthers have two Twin Valley Conference 

dual meets on tap for this week. Friday the Panthers host Lincoln Park at Heuer Field at 

3:45pm, and Tuesday Rouge meets Ecorse at the Raider track. Lincoln Park has a very 

strong team and can be expected to be very tough on Rouge, especially in the field events 

where the Parkers have excellent broad jumpers, pole vaulters and high jumpers. Ecorse 

is always strong in track and the Raiders will go all out to take Rouge so a close meet is 

anticipated. 

ADS 

1. National Steel Corporation – 25 years of progress – Founded November 7, 1929, 

the National Steel Corporation has now completed its twenty-fifth full year of 

operation. In the interim National Steel has increased its steelmaking capacity 

five-fold, has expanded finishing operations proportionately, and has adopted 

the latest and finest in steel-producing facilities and methods. In addition to this 

contribution to America’s industrial growth, National Steel has paid a dividend in 

every quarter since its inception, the March 1955 dividend being the 101 st . 

2. Armos & Sons – 3500 West Jefferson (corner of Auburn) – We deliver Beer-Wine- 

Pop. We also carry a Complete Line of Meats – Groceries and Ice Cream. 

Established 25 years in the Same Location. 

3. Gilbert Motor Sales – 10955 West Jefferson – Front End Alignment Is Important 

For Safer and Better Steering Plus Longer Tire Life – Special Caster Camber and 

Toe In Adjustment only $5.85. 

4. River Rouge Savings Bank – 10474 West Jefferson – We Salute You – The Youth 

of our City. We take this opportunity to say we’re proud of the youth of our city 

… Whenever a boy or girl gets into trouble everybody hears about it … But 

nothing is ever said about the children that are a credit to their parents and 

schools … Who never gain the recognition they so richly deserve … Again we 

want to say we’re proud of your many worthwhile accomplishments. April 17 

through 25 th has been proclaimed as “Youth Week”. 

5. Mercury Cleaners – 10692 West Jefferson – Down Rivers Most Modern Cleaning 

Plant. Your Dry-Cleaner is your clothes best friend. – 60 Minute Sudden Service 

Monday through Friday before 10am. 4 hour Service Monday through Saturday 

till 12 noon. Fur Storage Sent to Cold Storage Vaults low insurance. Free 

Storage Bring In All Your Outer Season Garments and pay next fall. 


A & P To Invest $40,000 In Remodeling Program – An estimated $40,000 will be 

invested by the A & P Tea Co. to completely remodel the firm‟s supermarket on East

Henry St., it was announced this week by Bill Mays, Local Manager. Plans for 

remodeling program, scheduled to begin next fall, were made when company officials 

were advised that two of the city‟s three proposed parking lots to be located on Burke 

near Henry within a block of the A & P Store building, according to Mays. The 

company has completed negotiations for the least of a 30 foot parcel of land adjacent 

to the building, near Burke for expansion of the store. Work began Tuesday on the 

company‟s $5,000 resurfacing program that will provide parking space for 78 cars at the 

rear of the building, Mays reported. The parking lot, from the rear of the store to the 

property line on Leroy an eight-foot alley west to Burke, and the parkway between the 

street and sidewalk in front of the store building are being blacktopped. Council approval 

for the resurfacing of the alley and the removal by the DPW of five trees from the 

parkway was obtained by the company. Work is proceeding under the supervision of 

George A. Deering, Superintendent of the DPW. Deering and City Engineering D. T. 

Brown conferred with the paving contractors regarding proper drainage levels, restriping 

and curbing before the resurfacing began. The Company‟s decision to expand its 

investment in the River Rouge store resulted when it was learned that the city had 

approved plans to construct off-street parking near the A & P Store,” Mays said. 

Other businessmen, realizing the potential new business to be gained as a result of the 

proposed new parking lots and the new fluorescent street lighting on Jefferson Avenue, 

are planning improvements to their building. Shinner‟s Market and Shearer‟s Bakery 

recently completed their new store, and the S.S. Kresge Co. has scheduled the remodeling 

the River Rouge store in June. 

See Industrial Highway Soon – Acquisition of the last two of seven industry-owned 

parcels of land required before the city can start construction of the proposed industrial 

highway was assured Tuesday night when Council passed resolutions complying with 

conditions imposed by Allied Chemical & Dye Corp. and Texas Company. The firms, 

before agreeing to transfer the deed to their properties stipulated various terms to 

be met by the city. Deeds to the other parcels of land have been given to the city by 

the Detroit Edison Co. (two parcels); Great Lakes Steel Corp; Great Lakes 

Engineering Works & Solvay Process. Council met last night with a representative of 

the Michigan State Highway Committee concerning Michigan Weight and gas tax fund to 

be allocated to the city for the construction of the highway, planned to re-route heavy 

industrial traffic away from West Jefferson and Great Lakes. With the addition of the 

proposed highway, will extend 1.86 miles, to the city‟s major road mileage, River 

Rouge will be entitled to additional State Aid for its major highway fund. 

Resolutions, submitted to Council by City Attorney Kenneth J. Logan and adopted 

Tuesday night, included conditions requested by Allied Chemicals and the Texas Co., 

before the corporations would agree to convey to the city properties they own on Marion 

Avenue. As consideration for property owned by Allied Chemical, Council agreed to: 

construct the highway not more than 60 foot wide; obtain deeds from other industries 

owning land to be crossed by the proposed highway without compensation; assume and 

bear the cost of constructing the proposed highway and its water main, sewer and fire 

hydrant system, so that no part of the cost will be levied by special assessment against the 

owners of land abutting the new highway; reserve the corporations rights to salt deposits 

under the property and its right to remove salt by wells or shafts (not to be located on the 

deeded property); grant to the corporation and the salt underlying the lands comprising 

the portion of Coolidge Ave. located between the two parcels comprising the company‟s 

property, and the right to remove the salt deposits. Terms of consideration for Texas Co. 

property to be granted to the city included: providing the corporation with two curb cuts 

on Marion Ave. between the Industrial highway and the Wolverine Pipeline station, a 

third curb on the Industrial roadway as close as possible to the Marion Ave. intersection, 

a fourth curb cut near the corporations southwesterly property line for access to an area

provided for future tankage expansion; relocating the corporations fence at no cost to the 

Texas Co.; assuming and bearing cost of the right-a-way and not setting up a special 

assessment district on the land abutting the new highway; paving a small portion of 

Marion Ave. past property owned by the corporation; obtaining deeds without 

compensation from other industries owning land to be crossed by the proposed highway. 

Select Lourdes Patrol Boy For Rally In Washington – Wilfred Burke, 12, of Our Lady of 

Lourdes School will be among 120 Michigan Safety Patrollers attending the 19 th AAA 

Safety Patrol Rally in Washington D.C. May 5-8. Young Burke, a seventh grader, will 

leave for the Rally from Detroit Thursday, May 5 as Automobile Club of Michigan‟s 

guest. He was selected to take the four-day trip as an outstanding Representative of the 

44,000 Michigan Safety Patrollers who this year have guarded 700,000 school children 

without a single reported death. During his honor trip to Washington, Burke, who 

lives at 84 Chestnut, will join 30,000 patrollers from the United States and Canada 

in the traditional parade down Constitution Avenue. He will meet Michigan‟s 

Congressman at a get together arranged by Auto Club. Other events planned include the 

meeting of entertainment – world notables and the visiting of important buildings, 

monuments and landmarks in the Washington area. The patrollers will gather in 

Detroit Thursday for registration and a physical check up. While waiting to depart 

they will be entertained by Patrolman Anthony Hosang of the Detroit Police 

Department and his dog, “Tina”. Also accompanying the youngster to Washington 

will be Representatives of the Royal Oak High School band who will lead Michigan 

delegation in the five-mile long parade. The State‟s four patrol boys who were awarded 

Auto Club‟s life saving medals will view the procession from a place of honor on the 

reviewing stand. The patrollers will leave Washington Saturday evening and arrive in 

Detroit Sunday, May 8. They will be escorted to their homes by Auto Club staff 

members. 

Pair Rouge, Warren in Mayor Trade – Village President George Pagels of Warren will be 

River Rouge‟s new Mayor on May 16, but only for one day. He‟ll trade jobs with Mayor 

M. Warren Duncan as part of the observance of Michigan Week, May 15 – 21, and a 

Welcoming Committee, headed by Commissioner Roy Cheff is planning a full day‟s 

schedule intended to acquaint him with the city‟s points of interest. Mayor Duncan will 

take over President Pagel‟s duties in Warren, a village with less than 1,000 

population located near by Birmingham. As part of the celebration of Michigan Week 

Mayors and Presidents of Michigan‟s 497 Incorporated cities and villages will exchange 

places for a day. The exchange intended to make the communities of the State better 

acquainted with one another and to bring the people of the State closer together. Plans 

are underway to make President Pagel‟s visit to River Rouge a memorable one. He 

will be escorted by Commission Cheff and the Committee on a tour that will include 

visits to local industrial plants and schools. 

Buys Print Shop – New automatic and completely reorganized shop enables Holley 

Printing Co. of 11285 West Jefferson, River Rouge, to offer prompt service on every 

printing order. Formerly Bowen Printing and Hanter‟s Letterpress Printing, the business 

was purchased on March 29 by Bill Holley, previous co-owner of Ravenna-Holley 

Printing Co. in Dearborn. 

Servicemen 

Capt. Harold Gilbert serving with the Corps of Engineers in the Army, has just 

completed a 16-month tour of duty in Korea and Thailand (Siam). Arriving from 

Tokyo, he joined his wife, Ruth Gilbert (Barnes) and daughter, Kathy in San 

Francisco. They will then be home visiting his folks, Mr. & Mrs. Don Gilbert,

efore he goes to his new post in Fort Belvoir, Va. He will be glad to greet any of 

his old friends while at home. 

Pvt. Donald F. Sheridan, 24, son of Mrs. Theresa L. Peters, 12 E. James St., RR, 

will participate in LOGEK-55, an Army-wide logistical exercise, May 2-7 at Fort 

Lee, Va. Approximately 5,000 officers and enlisted men personnel will be trained 

in supplying combat troops for modern warfare. Although no field units will be 

used, simulated conditions will give realism to the exercise. 

Move Archery Classes To Park – The Archery Program sponsored by the River Rouge 

Department of Recreation will be conducted, beginning Friday at 6pm at Belanger Park, 

foot of Coolidge, it was announced this week by Frank Weeber, Director. During the 

summer months Archery Classes, with Meredith Hager as Instructor, will be held at the 

park every Monday and Friday from 6 to 8pm. Classes had been held at Ann Visger 

School. 

Shrine Nips Bears 5 to 1 In Opener – Shrine High just about completed the job of 

stripping Lourdes Bears of every championship they won last year by whipping the Bears 

5 to 1 Thursday afternoon at Great Lakes Field in the league opener for both teams. As 

you may remember, Lourdes won every West Side Championship last year, but was 

unable to defend the football and basketball crowns this year. Now it looks like the Bears 

will relinquish the baseball crown after only one game. The Bears got only two hits off 

right hander “Skip” Becker and looked very weak at the plate. Only third basement Tom 

Cazabon was able to solve Becker‟s delivery. Coach Tom Connell started Ed Drabczyk 

on the mound and the stocky right hander was stingy with the hits but wildness plagued 

him throughout the game. Shrine had base runners in every inning, usually due to 

Drabczyk‟s wildness. Lourdes only run came when two walks and Cazabon‟s hit to right 

center produced the tally. Except for this one threat Lourdes was held in check by 

Becker. Lourdes has a real battle coming up today when they meet Wyandotte St. Patrick 

at South Park in Wyandotte at 4pm. St. Pat is favored to win the West Side Title this 

year as southpaw Joe Wash is regarded as the loop‟s best hurler. 

One-Hitter Sparks Panther 6-0 Shutout Over Ecorse – A brilliant one hit pitching chore 

by right-hander George Osmond sparked the River Rouge Panthers to a 6 to 0 shutout 

over the Ecorse Red Raiders Friday afternoon at Ecorse High Field. It was the first win 

of the season for the Panthers, evening their record in the Twin Valley Conference at 1 – 

1. It was the second straight loss for Ecorse. Osmond hurled no hit ball for five 

innings and had one out in the sixth inning before Earl Skinner singled sharply to 

center to ruin the slender hurler‟s chance for a no-hit game. Using a good fast ball 

and sharp curve to keep the Ecorse hitters off strike, Osmond was never in serious 

trouble as he fanned and walked only one. He also hit one batter. John Spencer 

hurled a creditable game for the Red Raiders but his mates failed him at the plate 

and a field to make things easy for Rouge. The Panthers go away to a flying start in 

the first inning, tallying twice without benefit of a hit. Chuck Cody opened with a free 

ticket to first. Jack Peer was safe on an error. Stan Kilyk bunted and when Spence threw 

to third, the bases were loaded. Jim Miles flied out, with Cody scoring. After Chuck 

Richardson fanned Spencer lost control, walking Lew Brown and Harry Lozon to force 

home the second run. Rouge added two more runs in the third on a two base error, Miles‟ 

single and Chuck Richardson‟s lusty double. The Panthers wound up the scoring in the 

fifth on singles by Miles, Lozon and Dave Stewart and a couple of infield outs. 

Fans Turn Out En Masse To Honor Panther Champs – Over two hundred and fifty 

basketball fans turned out to honor the State Class B Basketball Champions of River 

Rouge High School at the civic banquet held Monday evening at the Roosevelt Hall. The

fans and honor guests were treated to a delicious dinner and some excellent entertainment 

at the gala occasion. Highlight of the evening was the address given by Forrest 

(Forddy) Anderson, Head Basketball Coach at Michigan State University. 

Anderson delighted the audience with his fine talk and offered some excellent advice 

about a college career. State Director of Athletics Charles E. Forsythe also appeared on 

the program and spoke concerning the High School Athletic program in the State. The 

principle reason for the banquet was to honor the Champion Panthers and the team and 

Coach Loften Greene walked off with some fine awards. The River Rouge Boat Club 

presented individual trophies to the team for their achievements while Local 1299 

President Wally Bodrie presented the team with a team trophy. State Senator Stanley 

Novak presented appropriate scrolls from the State Legislature commending the 

Panthers for their outstanding job. Team Co-Captain Jack Peer made a presentation to 

Coach Loften Greene from the players as a remembrance of the past season and as a 

reward for his excellent coaching job. The program concluded with movies of the 

Panther game with Buchanan in the finals at Lansing.

MAR APR 1955 - River Rouge Historical Museum

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