More details on Custer Celebration Event. Save the date!

I have information about the annual Custer Celebration Event listed on my calendar page. Here are more details. It's shaping up to be a great event with lots of esteemed guests and informative presentations. Check out the press release below.

HTML Version
http://www.prlog.org/10091501-annual-celebration-honors-monroe-michigans-most-famous-resident-george-armstrong-custer.html

PDF Version
http://www.prlog.org/10091501-annual-celebration-honors-monroe-michigans-most-famous-resident-george-armstrong-custer.pdf

Custer's ride revisited by local reenactor Steve Alexander

In 1876, General George Custer led the 7th Cavalry of the United States Army on a fateful journey across four hundred miles of prairie in thirty nine days. Today, Monroe resident and Custer reenactor Steve Alexander begins recreating Custer's last ride, leading troops of the Frontier Army of Dakotas and Kincaid's Irregulars portraying the US Army‘s 7th Cavalry.

Ronda Stiffler, my co-blogging partner at http://www.blogsmonroe.com/custer/ is writing a series of articles for the Monroe Evening News on the recreation of this historic ride that landed Custer immortality.

Check out Ronda's first feature at: http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/NEWS01/352283197

Lincoln Park's Preservation Alliance Seeks Your Help To Save Endangered Park Theater And Other Fort Street Buildings

PRESERVATION ALLIANCE INVITES PUBLIC TO BOARD MEETING

Lincoln Park , MI , June 12, 2008 – Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance (LPPA) is inviting the public to their Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 board meeting due to the endangered status of the Park Theatre and other Fort Street buildings. Meeting will be 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Lincoln Park Public Library meeting room, 1381 Southfield Road , Lincoln Park . Those that would like to see Fort Street ’s historic buildings be saved & revitalized are asked to attend the meeting. Residents, architects, designers, buildings, community leaders and those interesting in seeing a revitalized downtown Lincoln Park are urged to come together as a team.

The preservation alliance was also responsible for placing the on the National Register of Historic Places, the former Lincoln Park Post Office, now Lincoln Park Historical Museum, and the Mellus Newspapers Building. Additionally, they are also the author of the Arcadia Publishing book ‘ Lincoln Park ’ and created the Lincoln Park discount cards. For additional information on assisting the organization contact Leslie Lynch-Wilson, President, at 313-598-3137 or email lalynch@wideopenwest.com .

The Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance is a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Lincoln Park ’s historic resources, working to protect Lincoln Park ’s historic sites through education, advocacy, research, tours, workshops, and lectures.

Inside Detroit and Wheelhouse Detroit Offers Woodward Corridor Bicycle Tours

Every Sunday at 1 pm, Inside Detroit and Wheelhouse Detroit (a new bicycle rental shop downtown) lead interested visitors [and residents] on a tour up Woodward Avenue.

The tour lasts around three hours and takes riders past Brush Park, Orchestra Hall, the museum district, niche Midtown retailers and famous skyscraper landmarks. 

Cost is $35/$45 and includes 1/2 day bike rental. 

I copied this information from The Woodward, a monthly e-Zine published by the Woodward Avenue Action Association.

Sounds like lots of fun! When I get out of this big boot (had foot surgery a few weeks ago), I'm going for this ride. I believe Wheelhouse Detroit is located at the new boardwalk along the Detroit River between Hart Plaza and Joe Louis Arena.

For more information, visit: http://www.wheelhousedetroit.com/content.aspx?CatID=5

Monroe MI Hosts 2nd Annual Fife & Drum Muster

Received this reminder email from John Gibney, Director of Monroe County Historical Museums. The 2nd annual Fife & Drum Muster is slated for June 20 & 21, 2008. Ten corps will be in attendance. 

"That's right my friends," says John. "Next weekend little old Monroe will be hosting the greatest Fife & Drum musicians in the world! Let everyone know that this unique opportunity is right here in your own backyard.

"Great family entertainment and get this: It's FREE! Bring the whole family and all of your friends and their families!"

See flyer for details.

If you haven't been to Monroe, it's worth the trip. The town is picturesque and features great architecture. Stop by the historical museum and see the Custer exhibit. (For more information on Custer and Monroe, visit: http://www.blogsmonroe.com/custer

Also, visit the War of 1812 Battlefield and take the kids to the Calder Farm to pet the cute farm animals and enjoy delicious ice cream treats. (Farm is on outskirts of Monroe).

Happy History! Remember, history is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko

The Happy Historian

Win Wheels on Woodward, Fundraiser Promotes Historical & Cultural Significance of Southeast Michigan's Famed Woodward Avenue

(June 10, 2008) - The Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) today launched its Win Wheels on Woodward (WWOW) summer fundraiser and raffle drawing for a 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the WA3's Woodward Tribute program, an innovative, interpretive public art and tourism program.

"The WWOW fundraiser is an excellent representation of Woodward's businesses coming together to raise funds for the building of the Woodward tributes," said Heather Carmona, executive director of WA3. "The Tributes tell the Woodward Byway story in a unique way to local residents and thousands of annual visitors from the surrounding region and the world."

Tickets to enter the WWOW raffle drawing are available now through Sept. 1. The winner will be selected from a group of 20 finalists to be drawn at a special concert on the new Alley Deck at the Magic Stick in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 12. The final drawing for the grand prize will take place at a VIP reception and official unveiling event on Sept. 18 in Ferndale, near the site of the first Woodward Tribute installation at the corner of Woodward and Cambourne. Each $100 raffle ticket offers contestants a one in 1,000 chance of winning the grand prize 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. In addition, each ticket purchased provides admission to the VIP reception and official unveiling event, as well as a one-year membership to the WA3.

The grand prize 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, provided by Harold Kuhn of Park Motor Sales, is the world's first full-hybrid premium SUV, offering passengers a smooth, quiet ride with plenty of storage space. In addition to comfortable front bucket seating and 16" five-spoke aluminum wheels, the Mariner Hybrid features ice-blue interior lighting; a six-disc, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capabilities; and a three-tier storage management system with removable bins. Vehicle safety features include remote keyless entry, a passive anti-theft system, reverse sensing, roll stability control, and an intelligent passenger-sensing airbag deployment system.

About WWOW
Win Wheels on Woodward (WWOW) is a summer fundraiser sponsored by the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) to raise $50,000 to benefit the Woodward Avenue Tribute program, an innovative, interpretive public art and tourism program designed to raise awareness of the historical and cultural significance of locations along Woodward Avenue. The fundraiser will include a raffle drawing for a grand prize 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, entry to two special events and a one-year membership to the WA3. Finalists in the WWOW raffle drawing will be selected during a special concert at Detroit's Magic Stick and the grand prize winner will be chosen from the group of 20 finalists during a VIP reception and unveiling across from the first Woodward Tribute location in Ferndale.

To learn more about WWOW and WA3 (and to purchase tickets!), please visit www.woodwardavenue.org.

About the WWOW Committee
The WWOW Committee is comprised of several leaders in the southeast Michigan business community, including: Barry Boozan, vice president of commercial lending at Bank of Michigan; Harold Kuhn, owner of Park Motor Sales; John McQuiggin, branch manager at Paramount Bank; Norm Silk, owner of Blossoms of Birmingham; Elizabeth Twork, account supervisor at John Bailey & Associates Public Relations; and Joe Zainea, owner of the Majestic Theater Center.

Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village

Civil War Remembrance
May 24 - 26, 2008 (Open Saturday 'til 9pm)
Become a Part of Civil War History
During Memorial Day weekend, we invite you to become a part of living history as you travel through a microcosm of American Civil War. Union and Confederate soldier re-enactors, civilians, musicians and historic presenters—all in period costume—are eager to immerse you in the life of this turbulent American era. Civil War Remembrance is free to members and free with Greenfield Village admission.

activities
Program highlights:
Civil War re-enactors fill Greenfield Village for three days to live the history of one of America’s most turbulent eras. Talk to soldiers and civilians about the lives they led.

Confederate military and civilian encampments, Union military and civilian encampments and Military regimental headquarters are open daily throughout the Village.
Military reenactments include:
Fall In! (marching and drill practices)
Bayonet drills
Cavalry demonstration with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade
Artillery firing demonstration
Tactical demonstration narrated by William Hendricks
Exhibits and activities include:
Original Army and Navy Artifacts from the Civil War by Jack Barnhart and Kraig Lawson
Michigan Civil War Battle Flags Preservation with John Gibney including uniforms, battle relics and artifacts.
Researching Your Civil War Ancestors with Civil War Historian Dale R. Niesen
Fashion Show and Lecture: Authentic fashions of Civil War era civilians
Funeral at the Adams House: 19th-century mourning
Off to Prison and Soldier's Aid: Live performance
Town Ball
Live theater presentations including The Door and Breath of Emancipation
Music by the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, the Camp Chase Drum & Fife Corps and a Saturday evening concert.
Special Recognition Badges for veterans and current armed services members.
Memorial Day Commemoration with a noted historian
Show your support and make souvenir ribbon rosettes
pricing
All activities are free with Village admission.
MEMBERS free of charge;
NON-MEMBER SENIORS age 62 & up, $19
ADULTS age 13-61, $20
YOUTH age 5-12, $14
CHILDREN 4 & under are free.
Parking is $5 per vehicle.

http://www.thehenryford.org/events/civilWarRemembrance.aspx

Lincoln Park celebrates preservation month with presentation on historic preservation by award winning journalist John Gallagher

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Leslie Lynch-Wilson
Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance
Phone: (313) 598-3137
Email: lalynch@wideopenwest.com

AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST JOHN GALLAGHER TO SPEAK AT PRESERVATION MONTH CELEBRATION

Lincoln Park , MI, May 8, 2008 – John Gallagher, Free Press Business Writer and architectural critic, will be the keynote speaker for Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance’s Preservation Month celebration. It will be Thursday, May 22, 2008, 7 pm, at the Lincoln Park Historical Museum , 1335 Southfield Road , Lincoln Park , between I-75 & Fort Street. For more information on the event call 313-598-3137. Subject of John Gallagher's presentation will be Historic Preservation, Economics and Downtowns.
John Gallagher is an award winning journalist who has covered metro Detroit ’s latest architectural projects, both historic preservation and new construction. He has covered building and urban development news since 1987. John Gallagher is also the author of the AIA Detroit publication, The American Institute of Architects Guide to Detroit Architecture (WSU Press, 2003).

Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance, with this event, will join thousands of individuals around the country as part of a nationwide celebration of 2008 National Preservation Month in May 2008. “This Place Matters" is the theme of the month-long celebration, which is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Since the National Trust created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America , it has grown into an annual celebration observed by small towns and big cities with events ranging from architectural and historic tours and award ceremonies, to fundraising events, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the National Trust has extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even longer opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states and enable more Americans to become involved in the growing preservation movement. This year will mark the first official Preservation Month.

The Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance is a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Lincoln Park ’s historic resources, working to protect Lincoln Park ’s historic sites through education, advocacy, research, tours, workshops, and lectures. The alliance also has got the former Lincoln Park Post Office, now Lincoln Park Historical Museum , and the Mellus Newspapers Building on the National Register of Historic Places. They are also the author of the Arcadia Publishing book ‘ Lincoln Park .’

Help Preserve Michigan Stove Company's Famous Giant Stove Landmark - The World's Largest Stove

The Goodyear Tire on I-94 near the Southfield Freeway exit has served as a local landmark for generations of Detroiters. Such was the case with a giant Garland stove that stood outside the Michigan Stove Company plant on Jefferson and Adair. The stove, built originally for the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893, was as big as a house and became a famous landmark.

In the book on Detroit history All Our Yesterdays (Wayne State University Press 1969), authors Frank B. Woodford and Arthur M. Woodford wrote: "No visitor to Detroit did right by his friends and family back home unless he sent them a picture postcard of the 'Detroit stove.'"

"Long before Detroit put the world on wheels it was warming the nation's backsides and keeping its coffee hot. For years the city was the world's foremost manufacturer of stoves and kitchen ranges."

The book states the stove industry began about 1830 but heated up in the 1870s and 80s and "for fifty years or more stove manufacturing was Detroit's leading industry."

In 1927, the famous Garland stove landmark was moved to a pedestal near the Belle Isle bridge. Later, it was slated for the wrecking ball. Public outcry against the destruction resulted in the relocating of the stove to the Michigan State Fairgrounds in 1965.

Now you can help preserve this preserve this great monument to one of Detroit's leading industries. The Michigan State Fair Commission is seeking donations to create a paved area to display this famous landmark. See details below:

MEMORIAL BRICK APPLICATION THE WORLD’S LARGEST STOVE

Built by the Michigan Stove Company for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the World’s Largest Stove” weighed 15 tons and measured 25 feet high, 30 feet long and 20 feet wide. After decades of exposure to Michigan weather, the familiar Detroit landmark was dismantled in 1974 and stored in a warehouse.

In 1998, John Hertel, General Manager of the Michigan State Fairgrounds rallied corporations, labor unions and individuals to restore this symbol of nineteenth-century Detroit industry for present and future generations to enjoy. The restoration project was successful and the “World’s Largest Stove” was unveiled at the Fairgrounds on August 24, 1998.

The majestic stove stands proudly on a grassy knoll with a pathway of Memorial Bricks leading up to it. These bricks provide an enduring legacy and may be ordered by completing the following application and mailing it with a donation of Fifty Dollars ($50.00). Each 4x8” brick has an epoxy filling to ensure durability and each character engraved is 3⁄4”
high for clear visibility.

There is space for three lines of engraving with each line containing a maximum of thirteen characters. To be placed at the Stove site in August 2008, Memorial Bricks must be ordered by May 30th , 2008.

The completed form and a check or money order payable to: The State of Michigan should be mailed to: THE STOVE PROJECT- MICHIGAN STATE FAIRGROUNDS - 1120 W. STATE FAIR AVENUE, DETROIT, MI 48203

Download an application at:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_STOVE_APPLICATION_37597_7.PDF

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

Member of the 2008 Custer Week Programs Committee

Since my last post much has happened. I've been in contact with members of the Dearborn and Plymouth Historical Museums. Both have significant Civil War primary sources. I need to visit these museums and conduct research.

Also, I was invited to join the 2008 Custer Week Celebration Programs Committee as educational coordinator. I'm excited about the opportunity. I had a great time exploring Custer's Monroe, Michigan roots last year. I learned a lot!

Check out details on the 2008 Custer Week programs here (I'm also a co-blogger at this site):

http://www.blogsmonroe.com/custer/

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

Southeast Michigan Civil War Buffs - Help Wanted!

Over the years, I’ve become aware of the vast importance southeast Michigan played in the Civil War and have discovered many interesting artifacts, documents, photographs etc. housed at local museums. I've also learned about interesting people who fought and those who died fighting to preserve the Union. My goal is to tie all this history together in an organized and interesting manner - a history book / local tour guide entitled “Southeast Michigan and The Civil War – It happened here!”

The book is aimed at Civil War buffs, teachers, students and locals who want to know more about their regional history. It will be dedicated in remembrance of one of my favorite heroes, Colonel Thornton Fleming Brodhead, second editor of the Detroit Free Press and former Detroit Postmaster. Colonel Brodhead led the First Michigan Cavalry at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Mortally wounded, he penned a final letter to his wife. The letter concluded with:

"Two bullets have gone through my Chest, and directly through the lung. I suffer little now, but at first the pain was acute. I have won the Soldier's fate. I hope that from heaven I may see the glorious old Flag waive again over the individual Union I have loved so well. Farewell wife and Babes and Friends. We shall meet again. Your loving Thornton."

I've read this letter a dozen or so times. Yet it still brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.

While I've accumulated lots of interesting material, I'm sure I'm still missing many interesting facts and stories. So all you local Civil War experts, would like to contribute your knowledge to this project? I’m seeking information on interesting artifacts, photos, documents, special collections on display at local museums, period newspaper clipping files, significant contributions made to the war effort by local civilians, enlisted personnel, and businesses, important cemeteries, monuments, recruiting sites, historical buildings used for the war effort, etc. Communities of interest span from Detroit to the Ohio border and west to Ann Arbor.

I can be contacted via email at: atrisko@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your assistance.

Happy History. Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

2008 Congressional Academy for American History and Civics Open to High School Juniors

"From the heated debating floor of Independence Hall, to the bloodied fields of Gettysburg and the empowering steps of the Lincoln Memorial, American history is far more than just dates and speeches. The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics takes you on an exploration of the American experience with a careful study of three of America's most critical eras through the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech."

High school juniors. This exciting learning opportunity is available to you. The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics is open to only two students from each state. Be one of the chosen few, apply today at www.CongressionalAcademy.org

Deadline is on or before April 1, 2008.

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

Save Detroit's Historic Architecture - Join Preservation Wayne

Annual Volunteer Recruitment Meeting.
Become a tour guide or serve on one of Preservation Wayne's committees.
Date: Saturday, March 8, 10 AM - 1 PM.
Location: University of Michigan Detroit Center
Ground Floor of Orchestra Place (one block south of Orchestra Hall)
3663 Woodward, NW Corner of Woodward and Marting Luther King

RSVP Today via phone: 313.577.7674 or
E-mail: info@preservationwayne.org

Learn more about this great organization by visiting: www.preservationwayne.org

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

Michigan Teachers! Have you applied to the 2008 Presidential Academy?

(I received this email from Ashland University Presidential Academy Coordinator stating openings are still available for the 2008 Presidential Academy. One teacher from each state will be selected. Michigan teachers apply for this great program!)

I would like to extend an invitation to those of you who have not applied to the 2008 Presidential Academy. It is a program unlike any other that will lead secondary school teachers in a careful study of the pivotal turning points in American history memorialized by the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and the "I Have a Dream" speech. Participating teachers will spend five days in Philadelphia , six days in Gettysburg , and six days in Washington , DC , studying the American Revolution and Founding, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement, respectively. During their stay in each of these cities, participants will be surrounded by the streets and halls, the battlefields, public places, and private lodgings where the history we are studying took place.

Participants may choose to receive four hours of Master's degree credit from Ashland University . This credit can be used toward the Master of American History and Government offered by Ashland University or may be transferred to another institution.

One teacher will be accepted from each state plus one from the District of Columbia and a US territory. The deadline for applications is March 15 so please don't hesitate to apply and spread the word. The application is available on-line at: http://www.PresidentialAcademy.org .

Lisa M Ormiston
Presidential Academy Coordinator
1 (877) 289-5411
lormisto@ashland.edu

Michigan Historic Preservation Network

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network's mission is simple: to save historic homes, buildings, and downtown areas in Michigan and promote heritage tourism. The MHPN offers several programs to accomplish this mission. Are you interested in your home's history? The MHPN offers seminars to community groups and clubs on researching the history of homes.

Also, the MHPN can present home repair seminars to groups. Topics include: building assessment 101, general maintenance of historical homes, porch repair, roof restoration, etc. If you don't want to DIY, the MHPN refers companies that can do historic home repairs.

If you love historic architecture or saving local and state treasures, perhaps, this is the group you've been looking for. The Michigan Historic Preservation Network is looking for financial contributions as well as volunteers.

For more information, visit: www.mhpn.org

Archivist sells history on ebay

Interesting read about a New York archivist who sold off historical documents to pay his household bills. Wow, apparently he's been doing this for five years.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080128/ap_on_re_us/artifact_arrest

Henry Ford: The dancing driver & automotive icon and his wife's pretty feet

Race car driver and celebrity Helio Castroneves is reaping tons of publicity for his soft-shoe on Dancing with the Stars. Well, dancing and driving isn't something new. Henry Ford, a one-time race car driver as well as an automotive empire builder, liked to dance too.

People attribute Henry Ford's success to his business savvy and engineering prowess. Smart guys, however, are a dime a dozen and Henry Ford needed something make him stand out from all the other smart guys seeking corporate financiers.

Things were going badly for Henry Ford in the summer of 1901. His first car company, the Detroit Automobile Company, had failed, and his financial backers had doubts about his talents as an engineer and as a businessman. Building and racing a succesful race car could re-establish his credibility!

Ford and associates entered a car called Sweepstakes, named after the race itself, on October 10, 1901, at a horse racing track in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Henry's opponent in the race was Alexander Winton, a successful auto manufacturer, and the country's best known race driver.

No one gave the inexperienced, unknown Ford a chance. When the race began Ford fell behind immediately, trailing by as much as 300 yards. But Henry improved his driving technique quickly, gradually cutting into Winton's lead. Then Winton's car developed mechanical trouble, and Ford swept past him on the main straightaway, as the crowd roared its approval.

Henry's wife Clara described the scene in a letter to her brother: "The people went wild. One man threw his hat up and when it came down he stamped on it. Another man had to hit his wife on the head to keep her from going off the handle. She stood up in her seat ... screamed "I'd bet $50 on Ford if I had it.'"

Henry Ford's victory had the desired effect. New investors backed Ford in his next venture, the Henry Ford Company. (Information obtained from The Henry Ford)

NOW THAT I'VE ESTABLISHED HENRY FORD AS A RACE CAR DRIVER, IT'S ON TO THE DANCING

"I am not thinking so much of teaching children to dance, but of teaching children courtesy and conduct that go with dancing." Henry Ford

Henry Ford had a great passion for old-fashioned dancing. Yes, he would have thought the Samba vulgar! Ford's passion for dance is the reason behind the establishment of Lovett Hall, a beautiful reception center on the grounds of Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford.

Ford believed dancing taught people much needed social skills that would help them not only socially but in the business world as well. Therefore, all his chief staff members had to learn to dance and attend dancing socials regularly. Even Ford thug Harry Bennett!

A newspaper reporter once saw a lady purchasing boxes of dance slippers from a local exclusive retailer. When the reporter inquired "Who would buy all those shoes?" the clerk responded:

"Don't you recognize her? That is Mrs. Henry Ford. She comes in twice a year. She has pretty feet, and her husband likes her to wear dainty slippers. They dance together quite a lot, you know."

Read more about this aspect of the legendary Henry Ford in:
Henry Ford and Benjamin B. Lovett, The Dancing Billionaire and the Dancing Master,
Eva O'Neal Twork,
Harlo Press, 1982

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

Heinz Prechter: Gave America the sunroof and George W. Bush

Preston Tucker isn't the only automotive luminary buried at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock. So is Heinz Prechter.

Founder of the automotive aftermarket company American Sunroof, you could easily argue that Prechter gave America the sunroof. Prior to establishing ASC (Southgate MI) and landing contracts with several major automotive companies, the sunroof was found mostly on VW imports. Prechter's company put a sunroof in Lyndon B. Johnson's personal limousine enabling Johnson to stand up and hunt from his car.

Dubbed the "Duke of Downriver, Prechter was a charismatic cheerleader for the southeast Michigan region and put lots of dollars into the community as well. He even proposed a bridge uniting the Downriver area and Canada. When he proposed it, people loved the idea. Years later, when the bridge might actually have become a reality, people opposed it in droves,

For better or worse, Prechter was a cheerleader for the Republican Party and his financing efforts helped put George W. Bush into office.

One online source said:" Prechter hosted a hunting get together for Bush and 12 top GOP fundraisers at his 10,000-acre Texas ranch the next year. Bush emerged from this hunt as the GOP moneyed elite's candidate. Prechter and two other Michigan Pioneers, Suzie Mitchell and Paul Welday, organized American Dreamers an effort to raise money for Bush from minorities who are rarely sighted among the Pioneers. Prechter's zeal for Bush fundraising is so great that he reportedly made a pitch when he found himself standing next to a potential donor at a urinal."

Prechter was very good friends with George Sr.

Tragedy struck the family of Heinz C. Prechter on July 6, 2001. The legendary business leader fell victim to suicide after battling intermittent bouts of manic depression for most of his adult life. He was only 59 years old.

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian

History Happenings (2008 Calendar of Events)

May 9 - 10
Michigan Historic Preservation Network Annual Convention
Dearborn
www.mhpn.org

May 15 - 18
Sing Jubilee! The Story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers
Presented by the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit
Detroit Film Theatre (inside the Detroit Institute of Arts)
313 833-4005

May 22
Historic Preservation, Economics, and Downtowns by award winning Free Press Business Writer and Architectural Critic John Gallagher
Gallagher is the author of the AIA Detroit publication, The American Institute of Architects Guide to Detroit Architecture (WSU Press, 2003).
Lincoln Park Historical Museum
7 PM
313 598-3137

May 24 - 26
Civil War Remembrance Weekend
The Henry Ford / Greenfield Village
http://www.thehenryford.org/events/civilWarRemembrance.aspx

June 19
Tucker Club Convention
Ypsilanti
www.tuckerclub.org
Keeping the legend alive online!

June 20 - 21
The 2nd Annual River Raisin International Fife and Drum Muster
10 corps in attendance
Friday, 7 PM - concert in Loranger Square
Saturday, 10 AM - parade through downtown Monroe
1 PM - Muster at Historic River Raisin Battlefield
Call 734 240-7780 for information

August 22 - September 1
The Great 2008 Michigan State Fair
www.michiganstatefair.com

October 3-11
Custer Celebration Event – General George Armstrong Custer’s Monroe, His Family and Friends
http://blogsmonroe.com/custer
Annual event honors Monroe, Michigan’s most famous resident General George Armstrong Custer, a Civil War hero and America’s most controversial historical icon. Presented by the Monroe County Historical Society, the 2008 event theme is Custer’s Western Years.

Visit historic Monroe County, Michigan and enjoy an exciting living history experience that draws visitors from all across the nation as well as throughout the world. Attend presentations by prominent historians and guest speakers such as Ernie LaPointe, great-grandson of Chief Sitting Bull, and Dakota Goodhouse, acclaimed Native American author and chief of interpretation at North Dakota’s Fort Abraham Lincoln.

Meet major historical figures including General Custer, Libbie Custer, Buffalo Bill, Russia’s Grand Duke Alexis, Mark Twain, etc.
View first-class exhibits of rare Custer era artifacts on loan from leading national private and public collections displayed at the Monroe County Historical Museum. The museum houses the nation’s second largest exhibit of Custer artifacts.
Stroll through the streets of downtown Monroe and walk where the General once walked. Visit the church where Custer wed Elizabeth (Libbie) Bacon, the shoe store (still in business) where he purchased his boots, the restored home where he and Libbie once lived and the church where Custer’s final memorial service was held following his death at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Tour Woodland Cemetery and view the Custer family plot.

Revel in period family amusements throughout the week such as concerts in the park, contra dancing demonstrations, fireworks, a buffalo burger reception and a grand ball.
Most events are free of charge!

Flat Rock MI earns Preserve America designation

The city of Flat Rock, Michigan will soon post a road sign designating it as a Preserve America city. City officials in conjunction with members of the Flat Rock Historical Society are seeking $150,000 in grant funds to preserve historic and commercial buildings and promote local tourism (heritage tourism) through a federal program called "Preserve America."
The historical society already has begun restoring the Smith Hotel and Bar, Lang-Wagar Home and other buildings in an historic village behind Flat Rock Public Library.

The city is one of 13 communities in Michigan to be designated with that honor.

Source: Monroe Evening News.

Great news for Downriver / southeastern Michigan history! Do you have news concerning the preservation of local history? Please post your news here.

Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko

The Happy Historian column debuts. Articles on automotive legend Preston Tucker and George Custer (Monroe years)

Been some time since I've set up this blog and actually posted anything. Here are some updates.

The Happy Historian will launch as a regular monthly column in Downriver Profile magazine, a regional pub covering the communities of southeast Michigan (dubbed Downriver by locals).

The first column covers Preston Thomas Tucker, the Lincoln Park "kid cop" turned legendary automotive icon. This column debuts in the January/February issue due out soon. To reserve your copy, send a $5.50 check or money order to: Downriver Profile, 150 Maple, Wyandotte MI 48192. ($5.50 includes postage)

My March column covers General George Armstrong Custer and his Monroe Michigan days. Again, you can reserve your issue now by sending check/MO to Downriver Profile at address listed above. A year subscription (10 issues) costs only $18.00.

I'm thrilled to finally launch The Happy Historian as a monthly column. Southeast Michigan has such a rich, diverse history. I want everyone to know about it.

Photos: Preston Tucker's final resting place (Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, MI). Cornerstone of the The First Presbyterian Church (Michigan's oldest Presbyterian church) where George Custer and Elizabeth Bacon wed on February 9, 1864 in what Custer authority Steve Alexander coins "Custer's Wedding of the Century."

Steve Alexander has published several booklets on Custer's days in Monroe. Titles are: Custer's Wedding of the Century, When Custer Walked the Streets of Monroe, and The Civil War Writings. Publications are available at the Book Nook in Monroe. Call 734 241-2665 for further information.


Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian