The Crow`s Nest - Ferndale Historical Society

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The Crow’s Nest
NEWSLETTER OF THE FERNDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Summer 2014
CARD CATALOG TO COMPUTER—AND BEYOND CYBERSPACE:
THE FERNDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY’S 21ST CENTURY RENAISSANCE
Jeff Milo*
Ferndale, in its nearly 87-year history as an incorporated city, has never lost sight of the value of its public library
even in tough times. As the Head Librarian of the Ferndale Public Library, Daidee Springer, observed in 1980, “Libraries
play an important part in the life of the community; all can use
them.” Ferndale residents would agree.
The library opened in its original building, the former
Central School, 130 E. Nine Mile, in 1930, two years after
Ferndale’s incorporation. This library had 2,000 volumes (200 of
them on loan from the State Library) and an initial budget of
$5,000, which included $1,500 for the librarian’s salary and $2,000
for books. The card catalog was the key to the library’s collection.
Then, sixty years ago, in April 1954, the library moved to its
current location at 222 E. Nine Mile, and the card catalog remained
the main gateway to the library’s collection. But changes in
funding, technology, and usage in subsequent years would require
the library to face numerous challenges in successfully maintaining
Card Catalog, Ferndale Public Library (1954). Library
its role as a reliable repository of resources.
Significant milestones in the past twenty years illustrate the Board Members (L to R): Jeannette Grow, Bess
Tewksbury, Ann Dawson. Photo: Ferndale Historical
city’s unwavering support of its library even in difficult times. One Museum Archives.
important anniversary goes back only ten years: when the library in
2004 gained its independence from City Hall. City officials had attributed Ferndale’s persistent budget deficit to the city’s
massive drop in state-shared revenue, which meant that the library’s budget was a prime source for cuts in the shoring up
of core services like police and fire. Ultimately that year, the library lost $100,000 in funding, weekly operation hours
dropped from 59 to 40, and staff was reduced to 5 full-time employees. Facing a deficit for the next year, the City Council
voted to levy a one-mill tax to “spin off” the library. As a result, the library
gained its own budget and a governing board of elected trustees. By 2015,
more than 85% of the library’s budget will be directly tied to property values
in the city, which vary
depending on prevailing
economic conditions of
the
times.
Generous
contributions
from
residents and business,
along with fundraising
events, therefore, help
immeasurably to support
current
library
operation—and
ensure
that the library meets the
ever-increasing demands
Community Meeting Room, Ferndale Public Library
(1954). Photo: Barth Studio.
West Stack Area, Ferndale Public Library
(1954). Photo: Barth Studio.
Page 2
of a technology-based culture.
A major finding of a survey of library patrons in 1997 revealed the inadequacies of the card catalog as the
gateway to library holdings. Also, respondents wanted more service hours, more space, more books—and computer
access. Ten years later, in February 2007, the City Council approved a comprehensive Library Improvement Plan to
address such issues. Residents voted 2 to 1 in favor of a millage to finance them, and five years after the groundbreaking
of the library’s expansion, the library has expanded youth/children’s space, and a computer lab accommodates 40 publicaccess computers. A “green roof” outfitted with a rainwater treatment system, recycles water for irrigation. A new lighting
system has replaced the lighting of the mid-20th Century—which had left library users wondering how all those out-dated
books and the crowded card-catalog had been read amidst dim and flickering lights.
In the five years since its major renovation, the library and its patrons have indeed entered the 21st Century. Some
100,000 titles in books, film, and music are available. There is an increased social media presence. Access to eBooks and
MP3-audiobooks can be made through use of library cards online. A self-checkout station is at the circulation desk. In
addition, the library has become a major
community center, hosting art exhibits,
guest author lectures, and special
programs for all ages. Artworks of local
artists hang in the community room.
Music concerts are regular events. Book
clubs abound. And non-traditional
programs like free YOGA and local
author fairs have been initiated. The
library has become an important center of
the community.
Yes, the library has come a long
way since going digital. In 2006 its old
card catalog was donated to the Ferndale
Historical Society as a period piece,
where today its primitive use, once
explained to visitors, attracts much
amazement from youth and elders alike.
Meanwhile, the library and its patrons
eagerly await the next innovation in
information retrieval and use—from
Ferndale Public Library Today (2014). Photo: Garry Taylor.
cyberspace or otherwise.
*Note: Jeff Milo is the Circulation Specialist (2010-present), Ferndale Public Library.
Sources consulted: Various files on Ferndale Public Library history housed in the Ferndale Historical Museum archives.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FERNDALE? (Answers on P. 6)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What type of business now occupies the original site of the Detroit Edison Electrical Utility Co. on Woodward?
Rockwell was the former name of what street in Ferndale?
What famous gang has members buried in Ferndale’s only cemetery?
What was the name of the Ferndale Fire Department’s only dog?
Why was the name of Campbell Rd. changed to Hilton in 1920?
Federal’s Department store (now the Rust Belt) replaced what drugstore at the Woodward/Nine corner?
What Doo-Wop singing group, all graduates of Lincoln High School, appeared on “American Bandstand”?
What famous World War II general made a special visit to Ferndale in the 1950s?
What business now occupies the former site of the landmark Barth Studio, 23421 Woodward?
What is Ferndale’s most famous landmark today?
Page 3
SMITH’S GAS STATION, A NINE-MILE LANDMARK FOR 65 YEARS
The corner of Nine Mile and Planavon was the site of one of Ferndale’s earliest landmarks, the Smith SuperService Gas Station, 344 W. Nine. Clarence Smith built the first station on this site in 1925. It had a potbelly stove, and a
wooden ramp to work on cars.
His son Ralph went to work at the station
at age 12 during the Depression, served in the
Army in World War II, then took over the station
in 1946. This station had two pumps and a service
bay. Ralph later recalled that, as a kid, he would
climb up on running boards of Model A’s to fill
gas tanks. Ten gallons of gas cost $1. By the
1980s, he reflected that “In some ways the
business hasn’t changed that much, but it’s a lot
more competitive,” citing the growth of large
service centers operated by chains such as
department stores.
In 1981 Ralph retired, and Skip Paraday,
who worked at the station, took over. But by the
late 1990s, the station had given way to a series of
restaurants, Pronto, Via Nove, and now the Local
Kitchen and Bar. For long-time Ferndale residents, Smith Super-Service Station, Corner of Nine Mile & Planavon (1938).
however, the Smith Super-Service Station remains Photo: Barth Studio. Note: Ferndale Gazette Headquarters on far left.
a fond memory of simpler days, friendly service,
and cheaper gas.
Source: Descriptions of Clarence and Ralph Smith and their memories are summarized from Raymond J. Serafin, “56-Year Tradition Retired in
Ferndale,” Daily Tribune, February 9, 1981.
A WISE WORD ABOUT HISTORY FROM RICH WELSH,
WATERFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSBILL, JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2014*
History needs to be written down on paper. How many of you saved things on floppy discs? Can you access them
today? How many of you print your photos? Have you ever lost photos in a computer crash? I have . . . photos of people
and events none of us will ever see again. The widespread dependence on electronic media to preserve history is going to
leave a black hole where we have walked. That information you think you are saving today is just one hard drive crash,
one virus away from being erased forever! And by the way, CDs have a shelf life of as little as 5 years.
*Excerpt from Rich Welsh, Looking Back on Our History, in The Newsbill, Vol. 19, No. 1, June/July/August 2014: 3.
Page 4
WHAT DID KIDS IN 1940 DO IN THEIR SPARE TIME?
Harvey Fish is a tall shy senior who comes to school every morning goes to his
classes, and returns home again, five days a week like every other Lincolnite [Ferndale’s
Lincoln High School]. But that’s only half of the story. Harvey lives out in Oak Park all
by himself . . . with 135 mink.
Three years ago he was offered the job of running this mink “ranch” with the
reward for his first year of labor . . . provided he didn’t lose any of the animals . . . a pair
of mink.
Today, Harvey has complete care of the mink which includes feeding, watering,
and watching for disease . . . “especially fleas.” Harvey asserts, “The fleas eat at the
roots of the hair and ruin the pelts. Flea powder takes care of that, though.” These pelts,
ninety-nine of which make a coat, are valued at eighteen dollars apiece while 250 dollars
will buy a pair of live animals.
Five-thirty every day sees Lincoln’s mink man feeding his three to four pound
charges. Diet includes cereal, yeast, fish, eggs, liver, vegetables . . . and cod liver oil!
Temperate climate is especially fitted to mink raising. Recent count showed this to
be the largest mink farm in Michigan. When Harvey graduates in June he hopes to Harvey Fish, “The Mink Man,”
establish a “ranch” of his own and continue this fascinating business.
Class of June 1940, Lincoln
Source: [Unattributed author], “Runs Mink Farm in Spare Time,” The Lincolnian [newspaper of Lincoln
High], April 11, 1940: 3.
Unattributed Cartoon from The Eagle (1975), No. 1, Pg. 5.
High School. Photo: The Log
(1940).
Page 5
FERNDALE’S HOMETOWN MUSEUM NOW DOING BIG CITY BUSINESS
Garry Taylor
This year the Ferndale Historical Society celebrated its 32nd year of documenting “the history of Ferndale for
future generations.” Who would have thought that those close-knit creators of the Society, each with a love of city and
history coming together to save the city’s history all those years ago, would ultimately lead to a unique repository of
information on Ferndale’s past and, ultimately, a world-wide outreach.
The Society was originally founded in 1977, but by August 26,
1980 the organization had become inactive due to lack of support from the
City Council. Then, in 1981, Mayor Bernie Lennon, along with a
unanimous Council vote, agreed on a resolution making the Ferndale
Historical Society its own entity and not connected in any way with city
government. Meanwhile, in 1981, the Canadian Legion was disbanding its
organization in Ferndale and deeded its building at 1651 Livernois to the
City, which, in turn, agreed to allow the Society the use of the building for
a museum. On January 21, 1983 the Society was formally incorporated; its
Board of Directors included: James Avery, Paul Behrendt, Edward H.
Calnen, Ruth Rodgers Elmers, Mildred Garbutt, Frank LaRock, Helen
George Washington Mural from City Hall
Jamieson and Enid DeTar Poehlman. It is through the dedication and
Bicentennial (1976), Ferndale Historical Museum
commitment of these eight people, and the City’s building use offer, that
Collection. Photo: Garry Taylor.
the Ferndale Historical Museum would evolve into the repository of local
history information that it is today.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, volunteers eagerly gathered artifacts and written sources documenting Ferndale
history from its earliest days forward. By the 2000s, however, the museum had reached a turning point because of a lack
of volunteers. By 2006 the doors of the Museum were about to be closed. Yet by 2007, new volunteers had appeared, a
new administrative staff had been put into place, old rules reinstated, and new rules instituted. Both the Society and the
Museum, consequently, were reinvigorated and ready to meet a productive future. In 2010 the Society officially launched
its own website, which in turn opened a global outreach for Ferndale and its history. Museum staff now responds to many
queries about Ferndale’s past, its current and former residents, and even its present, via our website every week, a sure
sign that the Society successfully entered the 21st Century.
Through the leadership of seven successive Presidents and committed Boards of Directors, the Society and
Museum have seen many changes over the years. For example, in 2007, due to
loss, theft, damaged artifacts, and a host of other problematic issues generated by
its former open-door policy and library-loan style of loaning materials, use of the
Museum has been changed to protect the Museum archives and collections.
Museum hours have increased from 2-3 hours per week to 16 hours a week. Cost
of our services, such as in-depth research, photocopying, and genealogy
investigations, remains a third of what is common in other institutions. No videotaping, audio-taping, or photographing is allowed in the Museum to protect
copyrights. The Museum’s interior has now been organized to show a historical
timeline of the city’s development. Reference materials have been gathered and
updated to make ongoing research easier. Staff members, working both on- and Our Latest Acquisition: 1940s Cube
off-site, are dedicated to keeping archives up-to-date. In addition, Historical Puzzle from Germany. Cubes can be
Society personnel give lectures on local history at the Public Library and events assembled into four different puzzles.
such as senior citizens luncheons, and participate in other city activities that show Favorite toy of Donor: Lorene Griffo
the Society’s active support of Ferndale organizations.
As for financial support of the Society/Museum, the City pays the water bill for the Museum building. All other
monetary support comes from membership dues; book, postcard, calendar, photograph, afghan, house plaque, and coffee
mug sales; service fees for detailed research projects; occasional grants from community and other organizations; and
donations from Museum users, volunteers, and private benefactors.
Today the Museum is run by five regular volunteers and three full-time volunteer staff—all headed by the
Historical Society’s Board of Directors. Each has an abiding interest in “preserving Ferndale’s history for future
generations,” and eagerly looks forward to documenting Ferndale’s future.
Sources: Names and Dates from documents in the Ferndale Historical Museum Archives.
Page 6
ANSWERS TO QUIZ (p. 2):
1. The Woodward Avenue Brewery now occupies the former Detroit Edison Electrical Utility Co. site on
Woodward. Edison at the time sold appliances, supplied light bulbs, and operated a payment center there.
2. Nine Mile Rd., renamed in the 1920s, was the new designation for the former Rockwell (named after Judge
Kleber F. Rockwell).
3. Several members of the Purple Gang, famous in the 1930s, are buried in Machpelah Cemetery, 21601 Woodward.
4. “Queenie” was a stray that appeared one day at the Nine Mile fire station in August 1937, took up residence under
the department’s phone table, and stayed for years. She was the only “mascot” the Department ever had.
5. The Ferndale City Commission approved the Detroit Postal District’s new requirement that each community have
distinctive names to facilitate mail delivery, March 10, 1920, which meant that Hilton Rd. would be the Ferndale
name for Campbell Rd. (Royal Oak).
6. McMillan’s Drugstore was the name of the original business (1920s) at the northwest corner of Woodward/Nine.
At the time, a drugstore was located on each of the four corners of Woodward/Nine: nw, McMillan’s; ne, Rexall
Drugs; sw, Cunningham’s; and se, Liggett’s. This unique arrangement of drugstores on each corner of a main
street earned mention in Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
7. The Dappers (Ken Fraser, Bill Sheerhan, Earl Swanson, and Austin Kollman) from 1956-1960 played some of
southeastern Michigan largest entertainment venues, appeared on various local and national TV shows (including
American Bandstand). The group did some 700 shows in four years—before each member was drafted into the
military.
8. General Douglas MacArthur appeared on May 16, 1952 as a tribute to Ferndale’s active participation in the
“Arsenal of Democracy” through its production of armaments and its sales of war bonds.
9. The French Gourmet (restaurant) is the latest tenant of photographer Herman Barth’s original studio which dated
back to the 1930s.
10. The Crow’s Nest, dedicated in 2006, a reproduction of the 1920s Crow’s Nest traffic signal that stood on
Woodward/Nine, remains the key landmark at the original corner in Ferndale today.
Sources: Various Ferndale Historical Museum files.
Advertisement for Bob-O-Link’s Homework Helpers,
Lincolnian, December 7, 1951.
White Cruiser Menu (1940), Lincolnian.
Page 7
Note from the Director:
At this time of year, I always like to thank the individuals who help to make the Museum what it is today. When I
was asked to take over the running of the Museum in 2007, I had no idea of the number of dedicated volunteers already in
place. Those same individuals remain committed today to preserving Ferndale’s history and assisting me in keeping the
Ferndale Historical Society a viable part of the community.
Two individuals especially make my job a joy. They provide day-to-day support in the routine functioning of the
Museum and the varied specialized activities required to make it a repository of artifacts and records that is readily
accessible and useful to scholars and the general public alike. Jan Froggatt, Recording Secretary, keeps the Diane
O’Neill Housing Collection (the historical record of the city’s 8,000 structures) up to date. She also assists in research
projects, handles phone inquiries and other secretarial responsibilities, schedules Museum bookings, and writes articles for
the newsletter. Jean Spang, Research Specialist and Historian, is always busy with the writing and editing of the Crow’s
Nest, the Society’s newsletter. She also maintains an organized reference collection which makes collecting and locating
local data possible. In addition to answering visitors’ questions, she works tirelessly to answer the global and domestic
inquiries about Ferndale’s past that come through the Society’s website. Jan and Jean also make sure that anything I need
done gets done if I cannot get to it.
David Lungu, Web Master, with the Board of Directors’ support, launched the Society’s website in 2010, which
has proven to be an ongoing success. His meticulous attention to detail has expanded museum outreach worldwide. Chris
Hammer, Treasurer, ensures that our finances are in order—and also works on research projects, writes Crow’s Nest
articles, and serves as a Museum host.
Of Roger Schmidt, Vice President, I can only say that he is invaluable because he keeps me (and the other
volunteers) well advised on both sides of all issues. Roger also helps to maintain the Museum building and grounds.
Other vital volunteers are Gay Tarvis, Lisa Harteau, and Dan Harteau, each always willing to be “there” when
required, whether it’s sorting files, planting flowers at the building’s front, or providing other invaluable services.
Sadly, Lynne Prudden, a special friend and volunteer has recently been missing from the Museum due to health
concerns. At present she is unable to return to her customary duties, but looks forward to staying involved with us as
much as she can. An industrious volunteer for some 10 years, Lynne served as Membership Chair, worked on O’Neill
Housing Resource files maintenance, was a reference expert on Ferndale Public Schools, enjoyed working with Museum
visitors, and readily assisted on any project. Her presence is greatly missed, and her chair will be waiting for her return.
All of these volunteers ensure that I can do what is necessary to keep the Museum functioning as efficiently as it
is now. This past year volunteers worked 1,290¾ hours on behalf of the Ferndale Historical Society and Museum. So far
this year volunteers have accumulated 733 hours of work, not including the over 500 hours of undocumented work done
from outside the museum. Without their dedication, the Museum could not survive. A special thank-you to each of them.
And a very sincere thank-you to all of our Crow’s Nest readers for their continued support!
Regards,
FERNDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE, JUNE 26, 2014
PROPOSED LIST OF OFFICERS FOR 2015
President: Garry Taylor
Vice President: Roger Schmidt
Recording Secretary: Jan Froggatt
Corresponding Secretary/Research Specialist: Jean Spang
Treasurer: Chris Hammer
Historian: Jean Spang
Membership Chair: Jeannie Davis
Director at Large: Lisa Harteau
Director at Large: David Lungu
Director at Large: Gay Tarvis
Trustee: Dan Harteau
Trustee/Liaison to City of Ferndale: Greg Pawlica
Museum Director: Garry Taylor
Page 8
Please Look Inside!
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Card Catalog to Computer—And Beyond Cyberspace: The Ferndale Public Library’s 21st Century Renaissance
Card Catalog to Computer—And Beyond Cyberspace (continued); Quiz
Smith’s Gas Station; A Wise Word About History
What Did Kids in 1940 Do in Their Spare Time? Lincolnian Cartoon
Ferndale’s Hometown Museum Now Doing Big City Business
Answers to Quiz; Advertisements for White Cruiser and WEXL and WOMC
Note from the Director; Report from the Nominating Committee
Calendar of Events:
Thursday, September 25
Thursday, October 23
Thursday, December 4
6 pm Board Meeting, Historical Society, held at the Museum, public is welcome
6 pm Board Meeting, Historical Society, held at the Museum, public is welcome
6 pm Board Meeting, Historical Society, held at the Museum, public is welcome
The Crow’s Nest, Summer 2014
Copyrighted and published quarterly by:
Ferndale Historical Society
1651 Livernois
Ferndale, MI 48220 USA
WW
www.ferndalehistoricalsociety.org
WW
Ferndale Historical Society
1651 Livernois
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 545-7606
ferndalehistoricalsociety.org
Editor:
Graphics/Layout/Production:
Mailing:
Copying:
Jean Spang
Chris Hammer
Various Volunteers
Maple Press (Madison Hgts.)
FIRST
CLASS
MAIL
“Preserving the Heritage of Ferndale for Future Generations”