LIVING HISTORY. Caring for Photographs. Lost Villages to be discussed. Inside This Issue

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1 LIVING HISTORY Fourth Quarter 2011 Ghost Walk Scheduled for October 21 st Stroll through Clawson s past and visit with citizens of yesteryear. Hear a few spooky tales and lots of interesting facts about our City, its buildings, and its history. Meet at the Library parking lot. Approximately 1½ hours. Appropriate for all ages. Friday, October 21 st, 6:30 p.m. Suggested donation for the ghost walk $2 per person. Please call to register. Lost Villages to be discussed Our special speaker series wraps up this year with an intriguing presentation by Debbie Remer of the Rochester Hills Historical Museum; Lost Villages of Oakland and Macomb Counties, will explore the towns and villages that once dotted the countryside of our counties, and have since been swallowed up by larger cities, or have simply disappeared. A fascinating look into our local history. Monday, October 10 th, 6:30 p.m., Blair Memorial Library; no charge. October-December Caring for Photographs Many visitors to museums are expecting to see artifacts. Physical objects from the past, be it clothing, tools, furniture, toys and other objects, provide three-dimensional experiences and give visitors something tangible to ponder. In many museums, photographs are a secondary and often neglected aspect of the collection: but photographs are often the most valuable and useful materials for studying the past. Artifacts are not dynamic. We need to interpret their use and purpose to understand why they are significant. Photos, however, often show us how an object was used, how and where clothing was worn, how furniture was kept and arranged, and even how much particular items were valued. Consider a ceramic vase. We have several in Inside This Issue Continued on page 2 3 Bits and Scraps-Do You Remember? Forgotten Place Names From The 1920s 4 From the Archives Clawson Real Estate Boom Museum hours and information; policies; 5 Still Standing; downtown Clawson then and now 6 Clawson Family File- Jim and Thelma Hunter 7 Old House Update Broadacre Farms 8 Thank you donors LIVING HISTORY 1

2 Photographs, from page 1 our collection. We know the maker, and can estimate the value and original cost of the vase, but that does not tell us how it was used, or who used it. But a photograph of a living room may have clues. Is the vase on a high table? Does it contain flowers? Is it in a protected location? Do the other furnishings in the home suggest an affluent family, or a more middleclass home? Photographs can contain information not intended by the photographer. A family holiday photo may show grandma and grandpa, but also may show what they were eating, drinking, how their home was decorated, what jewelry they wore, etc. Old photographs of a house can provide valuable architectural clues during a renovation. This is the Gramer Funeral Home, about 1910, when it was home to John and Mary (Baker) Phillips Mooney. This photo of the Price family provides a wealth of information. The Ford is a 1913 Model T. Young Carl Price is driving his toy Oldsmobile pedal car. The photo was taken on Pare Street about 1916 or 17. If you would like information on protecting your family photograph, please go to our website at and click on the photo care guide on the right panel. Or contact the museum for a printed copy. The Clawson historical Museum s photograph collection has grown to over 5,000 photographs. They are among our most prized items, and we are careful to preserve and protect them. In the near future, we hope to further protect them by making digital copies, as well. This adorable photo of Charma Richards, taken about 1920, provides information about children s clothing, and also shows several houses in the background, as well as an electric light pole. An enlargement of the photo shows train tracks on the street, suggesting this was taken in front of her home on North Main Street. LIVING HISTORY 2

3 Remember These Places? In the past 50 years, many place names that were in daily use in South Oakland in the Twenties have been almost forgotten. Anyone who can identify the following locations by the 1920 names is a real old timer. They probably will be more familiar to old time residents of Clawson and Troy than Royal Oakers. 1. Halsey 2. Council Corners 3. Starr Corners 4. Reid s Hill 5. Eco City 6. Stumpf s Woods w.l.f. Editor s Note: Our correspondent identifies those locations as: 1&2. Crossroads community at 15 Mile and Livernois (Main.) Mile and Main (Tribune files and interviews with Starr family descendents identifies Starr Corners as 13 Mile and Crooks, although one homestead of this pioneer family still stands on the east side of Main, south of 13 Mile. 4. Rise of land south of 14 Mile and east of Crooks. 5. Subdivision north of 14 Mile, west of Woodward, in present Birmingham, identified by water tower bearing words, Eco City. Eco referred to economy lots, part of the then real estate promotion. 6. Northwest corner of Rochester Road and 15 Mile, and popular picnic spot. W.F.C. writes local lore has it that the last time a band of gypsies wandered through this area, they camped in Stumpf s Woods. Reprinted from Royal Oak Tribune, February 8, 1979 Bits and Scraps 1917 The Davidson field near here (Crooks north of Elmwood) is estimated to be the best for aviation landings in a radius of seventy-five miles. As many as six at a time have landed there to the great interest of this community Mrs. Rhoda Hendrickson has had electric lights installed in her house on Main Street Clawson village Commission last night instructed the police department to enforce rigidly the current dog quarantine in Oakland County. Officers were instructed to impound the dogs running at large, or, if the animals cannot be caught, to shoot them Spring floods caused by the ice jams in the Kinross avenue bridge over the open arm of the East Birmingham drain in Clawson will be a thing of the past after a new six-foot culvert is placed under the avenue, according to the village clerk. A crew of Oakland county drain commission employees will begin installing the culvert Friday. It will take the place of the present 30-inch and 24-inch culverts forming the bridge for the avenue The Clawson Theatre offered free dishes to women with the showing of Secrets of the Whistler and Rendezvous with Annie. Clawson Times, are available on computer at the museum. Contact the curator if you would like an appointment to view them. LIVING HISTORY 3

4 C LAWSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM 41 FISHER COURT MAILING ADDRESS: 425 N. MAIN STREET, CLAWSON MI PHONE: FAX MUSEUM OPEN WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY, 1-4 P.M., EXCEPT HOLIDAYS. ADMISSION IS FREE GROUP TOURS BY APPOINTMENT PRESERVING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE VISIT US ON FACEBOOK Clawson Historical Museum Purposes and Policies The Clawson Historical Museum is owned by the City of Clawson It is governed by a Historical Commission of five members appointed by the Clawson City Council. It is managed by a curator appointed by the City Manager. Its operating budget is funded through the City of Clawson and augmented by generous donations from the Clawson Historical Society. Museum Purpose: The Clawson Historical Museum exists to collect, preserve and encourage the use of documents, photographs and artifacts related to the early history of Clawson, from its settlement in 1823 to the present, focusing especially on the decade of the 1920s, when Clawson Incorporated as a Home Rule Village. Collections: Historical records include those related to area public and civic organizations, as well as personal oral histories of residents, property abstracts, school and business records and thousands of photographs documenting Clawson s buildings, homes, streets, and the changes they have undergone through the decades. Also included in the collection are maps, almanacs, and contemporary published materials such as newspapers, books, magazines and periodicals that reflect the culture of the 1920s. These materials are available to the public for research on genealogy, property history, environmental investigations and other personal interests. Student research is especially encouraged. F ROM THE A RCHIVES EXCERPT FROM THE C LAWSON T IMES, C CLAWSON GETS SUDDEN REAL ESTATE BOOM VILLAGE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN DEMAND FOR VACANT AND IMPROVED PROPERTY; RECENT IMPROVEMENTS ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH IN COMMUNITY If real estate activities are to be accepted as the gauge by which a community s prosperity and business future are to be measured, then Clawson is entering up a season that will mark an epoch in her history. During the past week there has been an unprecedented demand for homes and vacant property, and the Clawson Realty Company, the only dealers in real estate in the village, has had a great difficulty in keeping listings ahead of sales. To list a home or lot in the forenoon and sell it in the afternoon is no unusual incident with the company these days. Apart from the sales made there is never a day goes by that a score of more house hunters, unable to secure a house of any kind, go away disappointed. In the opinion of R. Hodges, member of the company, if 500 more houses were built in the village, there would still be a shortage. One of the reasons for the sudden rush to Clawson is given as the local improvements already installed, and the proposed extension to the local LIVING HISTORY 4 water system. Should the people sanction the proposed expenditure when it is submitted to them, it will give practically ever corner of the village an adequate supply of water both for domestic and firefighting purposes. These things, couple d with first class local government are forcing the possibilities of Clawson on the minds of the outside public, and are responsible for the healthy demand for Clawson property. The article went on to list the numerous property sales in the community that week, including 88 vacant lots and over a dozen homes, and ended with expectations of an even better record next week.

5 Still Standing Downtown Clawson, then and now E 14 Mile Road The buildings near the corner of E 14 Mile and Church Street have been home to several businesses throughout the years. Shown above is the interior of Ole Clippert s barber shop, The building shown (top) in 1977, and (center) during its 2010 renovation. Removal of the siding revealed painted signs for earl cleaners, a shoe repair and a barber shop, all former tenants of the site. Below, the building as it appears today. The corner of E 14 Mile (Clawson Road) and Church Street, 1920s. The Lincoln Theatre is in the foreground, just east of Church Street. The old building to the West is still standing, the oldest building in the downtown area. It was a grocery store at the time this photo was taken. An enlargement of this photo shows a sign advertising the offices of Dr. Joseph Boutwell, who had offices on Church Street prior to moving them to his home at 41 Fisher Court. (the museum house.) LIVING HISTORY 5

6 Clawson Family File The Hunter Family James Franklin Hunter was born January 1897 in Johnstown Pennsylvania. Thelma Bristol Hunter was born August James served in the Army Ambulance Corp in France and Germany during World War I. In May of 1925, Hunter, a pharmacist, took ownership of the drug store on the southwest corner of 14 Mile and Main. It was originally owned by Robert Purdy, and at this time it was being run by Willard and Donna Wedge. The Hunters were living on 17 Mile Road, and Mr. Hunter rode the Interurban down Main Street to work at this store. About a week before son Bristol was born in October of 1925, James Sr. went to Harper Hospital for an emergency appendectomy, and when all three came home from the hospital together, they moved into their first Clawson residence at 282 Broadacre. They lived there for 4 years, then moved next door to 276 Broadacre, where the boys grew up. Bristol remembers working at the store from the age of 14. There was a 25 pound box of peanuts, with a scoop, and they were weighed when sold, but people took typically took what they wanted, except Herb Johnson, the janitor at the school, who always insisted on paying a few pennies for his peanuts. During the Depression, a man who had been out of work for a couple of years came to Jim in need of an alarm clock to get to his new job on time. Although he was a stranger, Jim gave him the clock on faith. The man was so impressed by this, he mentioned it to his minister, who praised Mr. Hunter in a sermon about having faith in your fellow man. Jim and Thelma both attended University of Michigan, which is how they met. Thelma was active during the War with the Red Cross, and mobilized many women to knit sweaters during the war and helped provide the yarn. Thelma also shuttled the boys to their athletic events, since there was gas rationing, and there were no busses to get the kids from one school to another for their games. She was happy to be considered one of the boys by her sons and their friends. When Mr. Hunter retired in 1949, Ora Class took over the pharmacy, and later it was run by Hap Plauman. Bristol Hunter related many interesting anecdotes about the early days in Clawson around the drug store, which was a gathering place for many residents, especially the men. He remembers one Christmas during the war when Mr. Class had too much to drink. He had bought a ¼ pound of butter from the CF Smith store across the street, which was quite a thing since rationing made it difficult to get butter, and he put it in the freezer while he enjoyed a little Christmas cheer with his friends. Someone who worked in the store, took it out, and replaced it with some shoe polish, which was the same size, and re-wrapped it. When Mr. Class went home, he figured it would make his wife Harriet happy and she would forgive him. Her reaction to the shoe polish is not recorded, and Mr. Class never learned who switched the butter. In 1927 Jim was appointed to the Clawson School Board when David Cleary died, and he served until his retirement in Mrs. Hunter was President of the Woman s Club, and was also involved in other civic activities. Jim and Thelma Hunter moved to Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. Thelma died in April Jim died of a fatal heart attack in The above was taken from an oral history of Bristol Hunter in Mr. Hunter, a retired judge and lifelong resident of Clawson, still resides in town. LIVING HISTORY 6

7 Old House Update Decoding the past of a house Broadacre Farms A tall white and green foursquare stands at the corner of Broadacre and Washington streets, with a generous porch and the informal title Broadacre Farms. The house, built sometime between 1918 and 1920, has had its ups and downs through the years; at one time, it was so neglected and overgrown that local children referred to it as the haunted house. Fortunes have turned for the house lately, though, and after years of neglect and a foreclosure, the house has been purchased by Erich and Jackie Wasner. Erich is a specialist in old house restoration, and owns his own company, Authentic Restoration. Jackie, who grew up in Clawson, is pleased to see the house returning to its former beauty. The couple has the energy, enthusiasm and vision to restore the house to its original condition. In his line of work, Erich has restored several homes, including their previous home in Hamtramck. He is passionate about craftsmanship and beautiful wood, and says what drew him to this house was the unique mahogany woodwork throughout. Original paneling, mahogany French doors with leaded glass, and a beautifully crafted banister are just a few of the features that had mercifully escaped painting or removal throughout the years. They still have a lot of work ahead of them though, to realize their vision for the house. All the original windows have been removed and replaced with vinyl windows. Erich would have preferred to restore the old windows and provide them with storms and screens. The original slag-glass light fixtures were all removed by a previous owner, as well; only the porch light remains to suggest the style and beauty of the original fixtures. The kitchen received an update done by the bank to make the house saleable. While it is a workable kitchen, Jackie doesn t feel it is in the style of the home, and the couple already have The dining room, showing the original mahogany paneling and coved plaster ceiling. The early 19 th century cabinet is from Erich s grandfather. plans to restore the kitchen to a more period feel, while still providing for modern conveniences. An original cabinet, now in the basement, will provide the design inspiration for the new old kitchen. The bathroom contains a large modern soaking tub, but other period features make a stunning statement. An amazing vintage glass sink, with glass legs and antique fixtures, along with an antique Standard toilet and vintage porcelain sconces provide a period atmosphere to the bathroom despite the modern tub. Continued on page 8 LIVING HISTORY 7

8 Old House Update, continued from page 7 Furniture throughout the house reflects an eclectic sensibility; a mid-century modern sofa nestles happily with an arts and crafts credenza. An antique corner cabinet from Erich s grandfather fits perfectly into the paneled dining room with a Mission style dining set. The Wasners are enjoying their new home in Clawson, and surely the old house is enjoying the attention. Erich and Jackie think they probably saved it from more inappropriate updates. Their attention to detail and enthusiasm for the past prove that an old house can be livable for a modern family and still be true to itself, without becoming a museum or a confusion of historic styles. Thank you donors Donations given in memory of Betty Ricca: Joyce Stein & Betty Stevens Don and Judy Mahlow Barb Hoover JeNell Hilleman Iowa Valley Community College District, Marshalltown, IA Thank you to Barb Lemaigre for the donation of her mother-in-law s antique doll, and to Deloris Kumler, for providing a lovely new wig and shoes for the doll. Above: an antique library table from Erich s family furnishes the graceful entrance. Below: The mahogany French doors still contain their original beveled glass. Thank you to everyone who visited the museum or attended our talks and gave donations. We appreciate your support. To whomever left the Detective Stories magazine from 1950 on the porch, please contact me so I can acknowledge your donation. The story on the James family was very interesting. Clawson Historical Museum VISIT US SOON! LIVING HISTORY 8