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EXHIBIT The 60s: A Decade that Defined a Generation Macomb Community College Lorenzo Cultural Center February 28-May 16, 2009
This exhibit will explore the themes of politics: the presidents, the Civil Rights Movement, the women’s movement, pop culture, counter culture and Vietnam through speakers, loaned exhibits, fabricated exhibits, audio and video files, photographs, musical and theatrical performances.
Featured speakers during the course of the event will be Gloria Steinem, Ambassador Andrew Young, Vietnam author Stanley Karnow, John Sinclair, Jack Lessenberry, Eleanor Josaitis, and Robin Seymour (see below).
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SAVE THE DATE! Friday, May 1, 2009 7:30-10:30 pm Macomb Community College Lorenzo Cultural Center
ROBIN SEYMOUR will host a re-creation of Swingin' Time, complete with a short video clip from his TV show. Also appearing will be a local band comprised of well-known musicians from the Detroit area. Adding to the atmosphere will be a dance floor and a DJ to spin the ol' 45s. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 60's style. Admission: $25.00 per person Food and a cash bar — and a fabulous time for everyone!
Detroit Memories (that'd be me, Eileen) will be there along with several special guests.
QUESTION: I've always been told that my grandmother appeared on a local afternoon show on Channel 7 called Coffee and Cakes. I can't find any information. Have you ever heard of this program? I doubt very much that any footage still exists, but I'd sure like to try finding some. Even if it's just a random episode, it would be great to see. Kristen Gielecki
ED: Coffee and Cakes aired on WXYZ from 1951 to 1952, before the days of video tape, so unfortunately, no shows exist. Here's a vintage press release I have in my files regarding the show:
Each weekday morning between 9:00 and 10:00 A.M., Studio B of WXYZ-TV in Detroit rings with the music and laughter of one of the most popular audience participation shows in the Motor City, Coffee and Cakes. The master of ceremonies for this happy show is genial Johnny "Scat" Davis. "Scat," trumpet player, band leader, actor and singer, has been a headliner for over a decade. Davis and the Coffee and Cakes gang, comprised of vocalist Judy Clair and the popular trio, Two Joes and a Hank, provide an hour of music, variety and fun for viewers at home and for those who are lucky enough to hold tickets for the show. Games, stunts and practical jokes are a regular format of the show and the ladies (who make up 90% of the audience) love it! Coffee and doughnuts are served throughout the program. All the elements which make for a successful women's audience participation show are incorporated in Coffee and Cakes. During the hour the "gals" compete for prizes in humorous contests and as a regular feature, a "Woman of the Day" is honored and presented with an orchid. Inbetween laughs, Davis, the trio and Judy sing top tunes. "Scat" earned his well-known nickname when a Texas minstrel heard his chandelier-shaking voice in a primitive version of the double talk set to music. The minstrel called it "real scat singing" -- an old minstrel term for warbling with all stops pulled out -- and "Scat" has been his middle name ever since. Coffee has always been popular and from the way things look in Detroit, Coffee and Cakes is not far behind.
In his debut bestseller, Marley & Me, John Grogan showed how a dog can become an extraordinary presence in the life of one family.
But, before there was Marley, there was a gleefully mischievous boy growing up in a devout Catholic home outside Detroit in the 1960s and '70s.
Despite his loving parents' best efforts, John's attempts to meet their expectations failed spectacularly. Whether it was his disastrous first confession, the use of his hobby telescope to take in the bronzed Mrs. Selahowski sunbathing next door, the purloined swigs of sacramental wine, or, as he got older, the fumbled attempts to sneak contraband past his father and score with girls beneath his mother's vigilant radar, John was figuring out that the faith and fervor that came so effortlessly to his parents somehow had eluded him.
And then one day, a strong-willed young woman named Jenny walked into his life. As their love grew, John began the painful, funny, and poignant journey into adulthood—away from his parents' orbit and into a life of his own. It would take a fateful call and the onset of illness to lead him on the final leg of his journey—the trip home again.
The Longest Trip Home is a book for any son or daughter who has sought to forge an identity at odds with their parents', and for every parent who has struggled to understand the values of their children. It is a book about mortality and grace, spirit and faith, and the powerful love of family. With his trademark blend of humor and pathos that made Marley & Me beloved by millions, John Grogan traces the universal journey each of us must take to find our unique place in the world.
Filled with revelation and laugh-out-loud humor, The Longest Trip Home will capture your heart—but mostly it will make you want to reach out to those you love.
Occasionally I receive emails I feel would be of interest to our Detroit Memories Newsletter subscribers. With the permission of the authors, I'll publish them.
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CHICO FERNANDEZ
Eileen,
One of my favorite memories is from the early 60s when I went downtown on the bus...yes it was safe for young girls to do that back then without parents....and we took a chocolate birthday cake to Tiger Stadium for Rocky Calovito's birthday. He came out of the dugout and took it from our friend, Cheryl, at the fence. Chico Fernandez walked out to see what was going on. We took a couple of photos. Little did I know at the time, since I was only 11, that I would marry Chico Fernandez!
We now live in south Florida with our daughter, Carmen.
Always excited and eager to read your latest newsletters. I have enjoyed your exchanges with me regarding my old days dancing on the Robin Seymour TV show, Swingin' Time.
Regarding clips of Soupy Sales' late night show (mentioned in the Oct Newsletter), I remember it very well. It was called "Soup's On." The show featured comedy, adult skits and great music. Major jazz musicians like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis would visit and actually play on the show! That was VERY cosmopolitan for the 1950s. Priceless stuff. It was Detroit's very own "Tonight Show."
Joe Messina, the lone regular White guitar player/studio musician for Motown also played with the regular band on "Soup's On." There's a clip of Joe playing on the show and it's featured in the recent docu-movie (available on DVD) "Standing In The Shadows of Motown." Joe also talks about his time on the show and some of the guests.
As for the seeming confusion over the name "Motown"...I got my first contract from them as a songwriter when I was 13. Motown's baritone sax player, "Beans" Bowles (and director of the Motown Revue) was a good family friend. One of my dad's friends wrote "Please Mr. Postman" for the Marvelettes. My uncle's well-known (among musicians) music shop served many of Motown's musicians, including their incredible bass player, James Jamerson.
Contrary to the accepted terminology of today- nobody I knew back in the early days called it "Motown", but EVERYBODY I knew referred to the place as "Hitsville" and it always said "Hitsville USA" on the outside of the converted 2-family house on Grand Blvd. Bowle's office was housed in the second 2-family flat that once stood to the left of Hitsville and is now a vacant lot. In fact, There were numerous record labels out of that studio: Tamla, Gordy, SOUL, VIP, Motown, and other names. People only began to refer to the place as "Motown" years later, but in the early days it was barely mentioned as THE name. In fact, people talked much more about "TAMLA" and even the official touring show was originally named the "Tamla-Motortown Revue," as I recall.
And while we are on the subject...it pains me to the bone that MOST musicians and artists who worked there or were contracted there are not only forgotten and never mentioned today — but even official modern "documentaries" let a lot of the REAL stories slip by and promote the same old stuff over and over.
For instance, a lot of people, including many Detroiters, SHOULD remember the Tip-Top Talent Contest. It was sponsored by Tip-Top Bread Company and was a kind of talent search. The winner of this contest got a recording contract with Motown Records. The final show was held at the Fox Theater with the winner being awarded a recording contract. Two of the big songs that came out of that contest were "Forget Bout Me" and "Just Be Yourself." The former was sung by a girl I knew, Carolyn Crawford. The latter was sung by yet another forgotten name, LaBrenda Ben
. Still sounds good today, but both sadly forgotten. Most of these artists never got played on the regular radio stations and only the most fanatical Motown aficionados (mainly people in the U.K.) seem to even recognize the names. Unless you listened regularly to WCHB (which was owned by my personal dentist, Wendell Cox and his partner Dr. Haley Bell, you weren't likely to hear any of these songs or artists. Most people today- there is STILL a great unknown factor about Motown — despite the great work of "Standing In The Shadows of Motown".
Finally...you might be interested to know that the Packard Motor Car Company plant on East Grand Blvd. is being torn down after a long battle over ownership. This great building was where cars were built for the heads of state in countries all over the world. Even the Russian Czars loved and drove Packards. The plant stood for many years as a Detroit icon. Before there were expressways, the way to loop Detroit was to drive Grand Blvd. and to do that on the east side, you HAD to pass under that once-famous Packard Bridge.
I occasionally write for The Packard Club (www.packardclub.org) and just published a large 23-page article in their glossy magazine for Summer 2008. It talks a lot about Detroit and things that went on in the auto industry — particularly with a Packard dream car called Predictor. I interviewed an old-time Detroiter and former Packard employee whose last name Detroiters from the glory days might recognize: Tom Beaubien.
Best Regards, Leon "Lee" Dixon
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STE. CLAIRE UPDATE
Hi Eileen,
The Ste. Claire (Bob-Lo boat) has recently undergone a tremendous demolition transformation. To ready her for the reconstruction of many areas, the entire first deck cabins were gutted and the main concession stand torn down. All the wood from the dance floor and the top of the staircase has been removed, including the souvenir stand. The third deck haunt has been totally demolished and removed so that the beer garden is once again an open area. Many items have been saved to be included in the museum aboard the ship, and many original items will remain in place. Since last winter, the debris from these areas has been cleared so the builders and architects have a clean slate. All wiring has been removed. Also, the galley below has been removed.
I can't wait for the day that the 2010 Detroit Memories Reunion can be held on the Ste. Claire!
Linda Benedict Ste. Claire volunteer
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GOT WOODWARD CRUISIN' PHOTOS?
Hi, Eileen:
I'm a transplanted Detroiter who writes books for a living. I've done about 30 on many different transportation subjects. I'm currently writing a book on the cruising and racing on Woodward Ave. I'm in need of photographs from that era and copies of any related items. I need hi-res scans for reproduction.
Any ideas or suggestions will be appreciated.
Cheers, Robert
Robert Genat Photography 1982 Azure Way Encinitas, CA 92024
Paul Cannon Peoria IL ___________ Note: Paul, you may recall, was Program Director at WKNR-Keener 13
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Eileen,
Once again I have to compliment you on a wonderful newsletter and tell you how much it means to an ex-pat like myself. I realize that I, as well as many others, are in some sense living in the past but it's such a nice past—who can blame us?
Please keep up the good work. Kindest regards, Karen Kletter New York City NY
Detroit Free Press October 17, 2008 Levi Stubbs, the robust voiced front man who sang on the Four Tops’ biggest hits, died on October 17, 2008 at home in Detroit. He was 72.
Stubbs, who had not toured with the Tops in several years because of medical issues, passed away in his sleep.
Detroiter Abdul (Duke) Fakir remains the only surviving original member of the group, which formed in 1950s Detroit and became one of Motown Records’ biggest successes with songs such as “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Bernadette.”
Founding members Lawrence Payton and Obie Benson died in 1997 and 2005, respectively.
He was born in 1936 and attended Pershing High School, where he sang with Fakir. They met fellow Detroiters Payton and Benson while singing at a mutual friend's birthday party.
Detroit City Council votes to postpone demolition of Tiger Stadium
by Naomi Patton Free Press Staff Writer
As expected, the full Detroit City Council voted today to delay demolition of Tiger Stadium after a group trying to preserve the historic former home of the Detroit Tigers raised the money necessary to save it, at least temporarily.
The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy has paid $69,000 to the city for security and maintenance at the stadium and put $150,000 into an escrow account. They must pay an additional $150,000 into an escrow account by Dec. 11.
The OTSC has agreed with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. to supply conceptual design plans and cost estimates, preliminary budgets, a fund-raising proposal and an economic feasibility evaluation by Dec. 1.
Preservationists have until March 1 to raise $15 million for the project.
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SHOP PEWABIC POTTERY MADE IN DETROIT
Pewabic Pottery is a living treasure, offering visitors an exciting glimpse of a little known part of American history. Founded in 1903 during the Arts & Crafts Movement, Pewabic is nationally renowned for its tile and pottery in unique glazes. Today, as a non-profit ceramic art education center, it welcomes 70,000 visitors annually. HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS http://www.pewabic.com/mc-ornaments.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DETROIT ENCYCLOPEDIA Here, you’ll find information about the people, places and events that have made metropolitan Detroit great for more than 300 years. Their goal is to build a one-stop history resource for researchers, students and history-lovers of all ages, so new submissions are welcomed.
The following events will be held at the Museum and include book signings by local authors and scholars:
ARCADIA BOOK LAUNCH - PRESENTATION, SILENT AUCTION AND SALE Detroit Historical Museum Thursday, November 20 3 p.m.
Michael Hauser, co-author of the new Arcadia title 20th Century Retailing in Downtown Detroit, will sign copies of the book at this special Arcadia Book Launch event. Highlighting the event will be a silent auction and sale of rare, historic photos from the collection of Diane Edgecomb, former President of the Central Business District Association. An author presentation will follow at 6 p.m. and a special display will feature artifacts from many of Detroit's well-known downtown retailers. Light refreshments will be served. Proceeds from the silent auction, photo and Arcadia book sales will benefit Detroit Historical Society programming.
FREE - Society Members
$10 - Guests Advance RSVP is requested.
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DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY BALL Westin Book Cadillac Hotel Friday, December 5 6:30 p.m. - Midnight
Join us for a night to remember at the newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in the original restored ballrooms. The Detroit Historical Society will be one of the first charities to hold an event at the hotel after its grand re-opening.
Guests will have a chance to see local, well-known couples square off in the Society's "Dancing with Detroit Stars" competition. These couples will help raise funds for the Society.
In addition, five free dance lessons will be offered to participating couples by the Fred Astaire Studio in Bloomfield Hills. Attendees can have a special introductory dance lesson at the studio prior to the Ball for $40. Proceeds will go to the Society.
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Midtown Detroit celebrates the holidays during this annual festival featuring arts and crafts, ice sculpting, music, horse-drawn carriages, luminaries and FREE admisson to the area museums.
In addition, visitors can have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create a holiday craft, and enjoy musical performances at the Museum before joining the Salvation Army Band for the traditional sing-along on Woodward. It's guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!
All guests will enjoy FREE admission to the Museum.
TOURS $20 Detroit Historical Society members / $30 Guests Advance registration is required
Behind the Scenes at the Model T Heritage Complex (T Plex) Model T Heritage Complex Saturday, November 8 11 a.m.
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Behind the Scenes at the Parade Company Parade Company
Saturday, November 22
Noon Take a Behind the Scenes Studio tour and see the hand-made floats and the carefully crafted heads that will make their way down Woodward Avenue for the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade -- just days before it takes place.
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