LIVING HISTORY Third Quarter 2011 July-September

Remembering Betty Ricca

Elizabeth (Betty) Ricca was a long-time member of

the Clawson Historical Comm-

ission and Historical Society.

Betty died in May at the age of

89.

Betty was born in Middleboro,

Massachusetts. The youngest of 6 children, her

father was an attorney and her mother was a

school teacher. She graduated from high school at

an early age because she had been promoted a

grade in grammar school. She received a degree in

Library Science from Colby College in Waterville,

Main. She also received a History degree from

Simmons University in Boston.

Continued on pg 2

History presentations and Fall Walking Tour Our special guest speaker series continues this fall

with two more fascinating presentations by local

historians. We will wrap up the year with an historic

walking tour of the downtown area. Be sure to mark

your calendars now, you won’t want to miss it.

Detroit Legends and Mysteries, Paul Vachon,

author of Forgotten Detroit and other books on local

history, will present fascinating local lore, including

the Snake Goddess of Belle Isle, the knock-knock

legends and the Red Dwarf (Nain Rouge). Monday,

September 19th, 6:30p.m.

Lost Villages of Oakland and Macomb Counties, Debbie Remer, historian with the Rochester Hills

Historical Museum, will discuss 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 10th, 6:30

p.m. All talks held at the Blair Memorial Library.

Ghost Walk of Downtown Clawson, Friday,

October 21st, 6:30 p.m. Stroll through Clawson’s past

and visit with citizens of yesteryear. Meet at the

Library parking lot. Approximately 1½ hours.

Appropriate for all ages.

There is no charge for the lectures; suggested

donation for the ghost walk $2 per person. Please call

248-588-9169 to register.

Inside This Issue

2 Honoring our Veterans

3 Bits and Scraps-Ripped from the headlines

4 From the Archives – Michigan Mirror, 1948; Museum hours and information; policies; Corrections to last newsletter

5 Still Standing; at the intersection

6 Clawson Family File-William and Myrtle Crossman

7 Old House Update – an Aladdin Gem, the Georgia;

8 What Artifacts Tell Us; Thank you donors

LIVING HISTORY 1

LIVING HISTORY 2

Honoring our Veterans The June 12th visit by the Michigan Vietnam Moving

Memorial Wall, sponsored by our Historical Museum

at Clawson’s Memorial Park, appeared to be a

surprising success, with a steady flow of visitors

throughout the day. About 200 people attended. Of

the five Clawson soldiers named on the Memorial,

three had families and friends. Even though so many

years have passed, it was a very emotional experience

for all.

Pat Daniels, Past President of the Vietnam Veterans

Post 154, found it unusual to have such a constant

crowd of people without having some other event tied

in to the program, such as a car show or sporting

event. He was very pleased to see such a patriotic

group of people viewing this event by itself. The

Vietnam Veterans Post 154 people were very

professional and respectful towards everyone who

attended the event. Their dedication goes far to help in

the ongoing healing. Ruth Babcock and her husband

have been instrumental in obtaining information that

was provided in their books regarding more than 2600

soldiers.

Pat Daniels presented a POW/MIA flag to the

Museum, to be flown beneath the U.S. flag, which

represents soldiers from all wars. It has been presented

to the City Council with hopes that it will be flown at

Memorial Park.

The Clawson Museum and Historical Society wish to

thank the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Post 154 for

allowing us to present their display to the city, and all

the people who took the time, even if it was only a

few minutes, to participate in our event with us.

-Tim Burns

Remembering Betty Ricca….from page 1

In 1943, she moved to New York City to work, and

there she met her future husband, Frank Ricca. They

were married on December 23, 1945. Their first child

Tom was born in 1947. The family moved to

Michigan in 1951, and to Clawson’s Jefferson Street in

1958. Frank taught in the Royal Oak Schools. Betty

worked part time in the Royal Oak Library, and briefly

in the Clawson Library. In the 1980's, Betty began

helping home-bound elderly ladies as a caretaker and

companion.

Betty began volunteering at the Clawson Historical

Museum about 1975. She joined the Historical Society

at that time and was a member until her death. In

1980, Betty was appointed to the Clawson Historical

Commission; the last meeting she attended was in

March of this year. She was the longest participating

member of the Commission. She was interested in

historic preservation and active in plans for America's

Bicentennial. She planned dining room table

decorations for the museum that commemorated St.

Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day and Lincoln &

Washington's Birthdays in the manner of the 1920's.

She was very supportive of every event or activity of

both the Commission and the Society. Betty faithfully

attended every meeting of the Historical Commission.

She would sit quietly and listen carefully to all the

discussions flying around her and then in her soft

voice, present her commonsense view.

Betty is survived by four of her children; sons Thomas

and Peter, and daughters Beth Wueve, and Helen

Beamer. Her husband, Frank, and son, Chris

preceded her in death.

Bits and Scraps… Fun and informative articles from the Clawson Tribune, 1948 Bad roads, bald heads, and television at dinner time…some things never change.

Clawson Times, 1948-1951 are available on computer at the museum. Contact the curator if you would like an appointment to view them.

LIVING HISTORY 3

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.

C L A W S O N H I S T O R I C A L M U S E U M

41 FISHER COURT

MAILING ADDRESS: 425 N. MAIN STREET, CLAWSON MI

48017

PHONE: 248-588-9169

FAX 248-588-+9169

EMAIL: HISTORICALMUSEUM@CITYOFCLAWSON.COM

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

LIVING HISTORY 4

F R O M T H E A R C H I V E S T I D - B I T S F R O M M I C H I G A N M I R R O R , C L A W S O N T I M E S , 1 9 4 9

The average monthly retirement benefit to 62,497 insured workers in Michigan as $22.96 last June…Because the $22.96 old-age retirement benefit does not fully cover post-war living costs, approximately 10 percent of these retirement recipients have had to petition for old-age relief. Furthermore, (and this is hard to believe!) the federal law now says that a retired insured workers can earn only $14.99 a month in addition to his earned $22.96 monthly retirement benefit. This restriction has had the effect of compelling most insured workers, otherwise eligible to draw insurance benefits, to stay at work. Michigan ranks 26th among the states in population rate of old age citizens who are receiving old-age relief.

It is significant that the legislative committee, in looking into possible reorganization of state government, emphasized the mounting cost of public

Because the cost of living has gone up 75% since the formula was first adopted, and the result (quoting Ewing) is “an outrageous situation.” This is the situation in a nutshell.

___________________________

We try to get it right, but… In last quarter’s edition, it was incorrectly stated that the Reid’s farmhouse had been turned 180 degrees. In fact, it was merely moved across the street and down several blocks. The house was actually moved twice; first, across the street from its original location, and secondly, to its current site on Nahma, when the Clawson Shopping Center was constructed.

Also, it was stated that the Clawson Feed store occupied the building at 30 E 14 Mile in the 1950s; it was in fact there in beginning in the 1930s. The Clawson Permanent Wave Shop was at 32 E 14 Mile.

services. Where total disbursements for state and local governments, as financed from the state treasury, were a mere piddling $23 million back in 1918 (those were the days of “normalcy”), the taxpayer’s bill has now soared (1948) to the astronomical height of $471 million. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is pretty close to a cool half-billion dollars!

Governor-Elect (G. Mennen) Williams campaigned against the 1947 legislative enactment which required the state welfare department to file a claim against the estate of a deceased relief recipients to recover the amount of public relief paid.

President Truman has proposed liberalization of social security retirement benefits, advocating “at least 50 percent” increase for retirement payments. Oscar R. Ewing, federal security administrator, favors a 100% increase. Why?

Still Standing… Everything old is…still old, but pretty again! The last several years have seen many of the buildings in the downtown area receive much needed facelifts and repairs. If you’ve spent any time at all at the “intersection”, you’ve do doubt witnessed the changes, including the removal of the fake mansard roof from the southwest corner, the incredible renovations to the northeast corner, home of Black Lotus Brewery, repairs and new lighting to the old bank building on the southeast corner, among others. Even several of the smaller buildings are getting a “facelift” this year, preparing for new tenants, or just upgrading a tired façade. For the most part, these have been improvements in the appearance and function of the building. Thank you to the businesses owners, landlords, residents, and the DDA for their efforts to encourage the improvement and maintenance of the downtown area.

The northeast corner, 1940s, when Sid’s Drugs occupied the corner building, now home to Black Lotus. Below is the roller rink, prior to its snazzy Leon & Lulu décor.

Did you know… The Sloan building, on the Southwest corner of the intersection, once housed a bowling alley on its upper floor? Several local boys worked there, setting pins by hand. It has also been home to the Peter Pan Ballroom, and was the first home of the Ambassador Roller Rink. The building was constructed in 1928.

The Clawson State Savings Bank, constructed in 1925, was originally clad in white limestone. The original tin ceiling has been restored.

A panorama of the intersection, 1950s. several of the buildings seen here have recently been updated.

LIVING HISTORY 5

LIVING HISTORY 6

Clawson Family File William and Myrtle (Wilson) Crossman The following is reprinted from the Clawson Tribune’s Do You Know… feature, November 18th 1948 It was a lively household in which Mrs. William Crossman was reared. She was one of eleven children. Four of the children died while young, but that still left six girls and one boy to fill the house with noise, merriment and good times. And, unlike the members of most large families who usually become separated by distance in later years, Mrs. Crossman’s family, except her brother, lives right here in Clawson. Her mother, who is a widow of the late George A. Wilson, resides at 219 John M. Her sisters are: Mrs. Elva Hamlin, Mrs. Edith Christianson, Mrs. Alice Walker, Mrs. Mabel Patterson, and Mrs. Claire Volk. Her one brother, Albert Wilson, lives in Midland. Mrs. Crossman was born in East Keesport, Pennsylvania. She attended school in Keesport and graduated from Cass Tech High School, Detroit, and after graduation did office work for five years before her marriage on September 1, 1925. She and her husband were the first couple to be married in the Clawson Methodist Church. Mrs. Crossman says the

church was all of six years old at that time, and she accounts for the fact that they were the first to be married there by the fact that most marriage ceremonies were performed in the home rather (than) in the church in those days.

Mr. & Mrs. Crossman live at 427 S. Marias with their son, Lester, and daughter, Nancy Lou. Lester served in the army and is now a sophomore at Alma College. Nancy Lou is a senior in Clawson High School. Mr. Crossman is employed by the Detroit Edison Company.

For relaxation Mrs. Crossman enjoys bowling and a game of bridge now and then. But the majority of her free time from household duties is spent in club work. She is a member of the PTA and associate conductress in the OES (Order of the

Eastern Star) of Clawson. Her most important position in club work this year, however, is that of president of the Clawson Woman’s Club of which she has been a member for nine years. The club is now forty-six years old and is recognized as one of the best women’s clubs in the state. It is an active and worthwhile club, and being president of it is no small job. The Crossmans Celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary In 1950, with all original members of the wedding party in attendance. Mrs. Crossman remained in Clawson until her death in 1984; William died in 1954. They had eight grandchildren. All photographs are from the Historical Museum Archives.

Visit us at www.clawsonhistoricalsociety.org

Old House Update Decoding the past of a house I’ve always wanted to live in an old house, but

as my husband points out, ours is getting older

by the year. I concede the point, but still…

There’s a certain charm to a home that has

been lived in for many years, as well as the

quirks of archaic floor plans, outdated wiring

and years of remodeling (re-muddling?)

Here is an interesting little house in Clawson

full of such charms. And, it’s for sale!

This home on Fisher Court was built about

1919. The real estate ad indicates that it was

built in 1924, but in researching the home, I

learned it was purchased by Oswald Fisher

from Aladdin Company of Bay City, Michigan,

in June, 1919. It is a Georgia II model; one of

Aladdin’s most popular and enduring plans.

At just over 900 square feet, it was an average

sized home for its day, with three bedrooms

and one bath upstairs. The advertisement

promised pleasant and cozy rooms finished

with Oregon Fir and a convenient kitchen for

the housewife.

This bench has been donated by the Clawson Farm and Garden Club. After many years, the club has disbanded, but they have left a lasting legacy to the museum garden. The new bench and two rose trellises have been installed for the enjoyment of all visitors. Thank you to the Garden Club for their gifts, and for their many years of tending the museum flower gardens.

Unlike Sears and Montgomery Ward, Aladdin

kept its sales books; 80 years of hand-written and

carbon copied orders. The order for this home

specified oak floors throughout the house (an

additional $73.60), white exterior paint and trim,

and black sashing. The interior wood was to be

finished with mahogany stain and varnish.

Optional kitchen cabinets were ordered ($26), as

well as cellar windows. The total cost for the

house, excluding basement block, was $1,408.40.

The Georgia’s living room, furnished as suggested by the Aladdin Company Catalog, 1917

LIVING HISTORY 7

LIVING HISTORY 8

What Artifacts Tell Us

Many children visit the museum each year, and often

pose the question about who lives in the museum

house. They seem a bit surprised to learn that no

one lives here, we all just visit, and I explain to them

what it means to take care of a museum. That usually

brings up the question of whether they would want

to live now, or back in the 1920s, surrounded by

what they see and experience in the museum.

The question prompts a wide variety of answers, but

most children decide they like their own time just

fine, although they wouldn’t mind having the old-

fashioned toys! (Older adults almost universally wax

nostalgic for the past. I think they are missing the

point, but that’s another story…)

I love history, so you might think I would be among

those wishing for the supposedly simpler past. Not

so! A quick look at the kitchen was enough to

convince me otherwise. Take this little gadget-an

oven thermometer. It can stand on its own, and has

a small hook so it can hang from the oven rack. The

oven has no thermostat! Imagine yourself making a

cake-because any self-respecting housewife will not

fail to serve her family a dessert, if magazines of the

day are to be believed. You have shopped for fresh

ingredients - your icebox only keeps things for so

long-you’ve lighted the gas stove, or wood or coal

(hot, dirty and difficult). But you need to regulate the

heat yourself, to assure the cake actually turns

out…..enough said. I appreciate my modern kitchen!

The 1920s is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t

want to live there.

Thank you donors In memory of Betty Ricca, the following donations

were made to the Museum. Thank you to:

Deloris and Jerry Kumler

The Burstein Family, Karen, Mark, Jeremy and Jen

Melissa A. Beert

Carol Barber

Lisa Atkins

The Wueve Family

David & Helen Beamer

Betty Wrobel

And several others unnamed

Thank you to all who visited the museum or attended

our talks and gave donations, as well. 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.

A handy little kitchen thermometer, which I hope to never need!

Clawson Historical Museum VISIT US SOON!