Poll

Check out the new poll (on the right side of the blog). You have to reflect on your life a bit before answering it. Hopefully it's not too "deep" for folks. Everyone checking this site is welcome to vote -- our graduating class or not -- it doesn't matter. Let's see how many people we can get responding! I know far more people are checking the site than are participating to date. All you have to do to vote is click on the dot and then push the "vote" button. No one can find out how you voted. You can also change your vote if you want before the poll ends. Have fun!

Can you identify these firefighters?

From today's Chelsea Standard I found this plea: The Chelsea Area Fire Authority and The Chelsea Standard are asking for the public's help to identify members of the Chelsea Fire Department seen in this photo taken in the early to mid-1950s. Please contact CAFA Capt. Christopher Smyth at 734. 475.8755 or Chelsea Standard Staff Writer Edward Freundl at 734.475.1371. (Bloggist's querry: Isn't the one crouching on the right in the lower right box --George Doe?)

High School Graduation Rates

We all hear about high school graduation rates declining, especially in the inner cities. What percentage of people currently living in Chelsea over the age of 25 years old do you think have at least a high school diploma?

A. 69%
B. 75%
C. 86%
D. 92%

Free beer to the winner, again.

More about the Clocktower Building Complex

Flanders motorcycles were built in Chelsea for two years beginning in 1913. Following that, the Lewis Spring & Axle Company purchased the building and moved its production of the Hollier 8 into the building from Jackson by Charles Lewis' son, Frederick H. Lewis. Like hundreds of other automobile companies, it was put out of business by the assembly line methods developed by Henry Ford. The Hollier was a hand-made car and about 1,000 were produced. Lewis said he was capable of converting the entire auto plant for products that were "war munitions". "Liberty" engines powered JN-4 "Jenny" biplanes for World War I. Biplanes were one of the first aviation weapons used by the US.

Frederick Lewis flew the prototype plane from Chelsea to Jackson in 1919. What a talented guy! Frederick was also a musician and organized a traveling band called the Hollier 8 Band.

I wonder if the band played WW I music?

What was the name of the first bank in Chelsea?

According to the Chelsea Standard, Chelsea State Bank, one of Michigan's oldest financial institutions is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. But, what was the name of the first bank in Chelsea?

a. Chelsea Savings Bank, principally owned by the Glazier family;
b. R. Kempf and Brother Bank, owned by Reuben and Charles Kempf;
c. Farmers and Merchants Bank, owned by 56 individuals;
d. Kempf Commercial and Savings Bank, owned by 21 individuals

$1.00 goes to the first person with the correct answer who attends the this Fall Round-up at the depot.

The 22-car train wreck during our Freshman Year

On April 9, 1955, there was a train wreck in Chelsea of a west-bound New York Central 88-car train that was heard all through town. Although there had been large train wrecks in town in 1908 and 1921, the 1955 wreck was known as the worst in Washtenaw County.

Did you see it?

What caused this 1955 wreck?
A. A semi-truck stalled on the M 52 crossing;
B. A "hot box" developed and seized up a bearing in one car;
C. Collision of eastbound and westbound trains.

Museum and Walking Tour

This picture was in the Chelsea Standard on June 14 of this year when the museum opened in the Chocolate Gourmet Shop. That's where we'll be meeting for the guided walking tour of Chelsea on Friday.

The tall fellow to the left is John Frank, and he'll be our guide. John is a retired physicist and management consultant. He is chair of Chelsea's Historic District Commission and found director of Preservation Chelsea. He and his wife, Jackie, have done a near-museum-quality of restoring their historic 1885 home on the south side of East Middle Street. We are fortunate that John agreed to conducting the tour especially for us! I hope we have a good turnout!

For a short period of time, the house was a hospital. I know that Kay Vogel Weinberg, Fred Wenk, and I were born there. Probably some other classmates were, too! Do you know anyone else who was born in that hospital?

Make that...

last comment read, "Ron thought he'd die if he did...."

We've been discovered....

Hi - I stumbled upon your blog because I am the creator of the www.ThingsToDoInChelsea.com website, and I am always on the lookout for additional sources of Chelsea news, events and information. :)

Just wanted to comment on this blog post because if your class is interested in this book, you can most definitely find it at Cranesbill. Also, if you aren't in a hurry, it's likely that they can get you a signed copy because the author lives in the area. Their website is www.CranesbillBooks.com and their phone number is 433-BOOK.

Take care!
Leslie

NOTE--SHOULD I PURSUE SIGNED COPIES AS CITED ABOVE BY LESLIE?

Who do you see?

The last time I went to NYC!

Anyone been to NYC (other than to change planes) since 1958? If so, why, where and when?

Our Hometown

Doug had a question about a book written about Chelsea. I suspect it's Our Hometown: American's History as Seen Through the Eyes of a Midwestern Village by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds, ISBN 1-58536-00-7. If anyone wants a copy, most likely Cranesbill Bookstore has them. It's a locally owned bookstore, and it's great to "shop locally". I can make sure Jan Loveland, the owner, has copies in September.

Any stories worth telling here?

Do you have a story about these teachers?

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

One of my favorite teachers in high school was Jim LaGoe. I recall that he encouraged me to write and said I was pretty good at it. I also liked the fact that his room wasn't arranged in straight lines. To me, it sort of encouraged creativity.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

Another Option!

As I said, the Depot sorely needs repairs! If you want to see your name immortalized in a brick, here's your chance! In 1985, people contributed to purchase and restore the Depot. Many people bought bricks that are in the walkway outside. A brick costs $75.00, and you can participate now using this order form. Or, I'll try to make sure there are some forms at the Depot on September 15 at our fall round-up. Another thought would be to collect contributions for the CHS Class of 1958 brick(s).

Historical Images of Chelsea

Here's a chance to "look back in time"! I've purchased this CD that has pictures in the following categories:


Chelsea Begins; Industry & Progress; Methodist Home; Church and Life; Chelsea Schools; Downtown Chelsea


I'll have my copy running on slide show at the depot, so you can see what's on it. I'll also have others available to purchase for $20.00 It's a good cause--a fund to renovate and repair the Depot!

Pre-schoolers!

Wait a minute! They didn't really have preschool back then. But, who are these two cute babes anyway? Two Class of 58 graduates, that's for sure.

Two Depot Questions

To peak your interest in saving the depot from ruin, here are two questions:
1. What freight product was shipped from Chelsea in 1850?
a. grain
b. beef
c. eggs

2. When passenger service began in 1880, why were two rooms built?
a. to keep the people separate from the freight
b. to keep the women separate from men separate
c. to keep the first class passengers separate from the regular folk

First one to get both answers correct, wins a ride on the train when passenger service starts again.

Picture perfect

Help restore the Chelsea Depot!
Back in 1985, a group of interested citizens formed the Chelsea Depot Association to purchase and restore the Chelsea Depot which was no longer used by Conrail for railroad purposes. During the last 22 years, the Association has managed to maintain the Depot from money received from rental of the Depot for private social events, such as the Fall Round-Ups for our class, and has made it available for free or reduced rates to community non-profit organizations, such as the Chelsea Chamber Players.

Now, after 22 years, there is a need for additional funds to restore the building again. Exterior painting is the most obvious need, but there are other large costs just around the corner--new air conditioners and some Ginger Bread Repairs.

Be a part of Chelsea and Chelsea's history by purchasing bricks for just $75.00. Take a walk down the brick sidewalk from the Depot to Main Street and see how many names you recognize. Watch for the next Class of 58 posting with the Brick Order Form, then buy your bricks to become a part of the history of Chelsea! Help make the Chelsea Depot picture perfect again!