Clyde’s Corner: ‘A True Stockbridge Treasure’ shares bits of history

by Clyde Whitaker

It’s a safe bet that most everyone with ties to Stockbridge over the years knows Mary “Dorene” White.

Born Nov. 11, 1922, Dorene will mark her 100^th birthday this November. “A True Stockbridge Treasure,” she has been a voice and historian for Stockbridge all of her life as well as a member of the Stockbridge Garden Club and the Stockbridge Legionettes.

Dorene has lived in Stockbridge for all of her 99 years, with the exceptions of following her husband Curtis through his time in the service and 1 ½ years living in Detroit after his discharge.

Dorene and Curtis raised four children, Sally, Rick, Larry and Barbara.

I was fortunate to meet recently with Dorene and her daughter Barbara at Dorene’s house in Stockbridge. Dorene graciously loaned me two scrapbooks full of pictures and historical data to use for my writing.

The following information and photos are from Dorene’s recollections and from her collection of historical items.

• In 1883, the train came to Stockbridge. The Air Line of the Grand Trunk Railroad was completed. From 1884 to 1887, the village continued to grow and the Air Line ran two trains daily between South Lyon, Pontiac and Jackson.
• A 1908 postcard picture shows the Soldiers Monument and Township Hall. The monument and cannon were put in place on the town square in 1905. The Township Hall was built in 1892.
• In 1915, the water tower was built behind the present Mugg and Bopps store. It was torn down in the 1990s after a new one was built north of downtown, located now in Veterans Park.
• On April 1, 1920, Dorene’s father Caspar William Glenn purchased the brick building on West Main Street (site of present day Positively Chiropractic) to display Buick/Chevrolet cars. A slogan of the business at that time was: “It’s better to buy a Buick than to wish you had.”
• Here is something you’d have to be an old-timer to remember. In 1943, rationing of shoes (for the war effort) began on Feb. 7. No more than three pairs allowed per person!
• Construction on the Willow Creek Golf Course began in 1965. Owners Dick and Jan Price projected that the course would be ready for play in 1966. The Eccletons owned the course after the Prices sold the business.
• In 1966, Ronald Fillmore (former co-owner of Abbott & Fillmore) finished up his 12^th year as a teacher in the Stockbridge School district. He also completed his basic instruction and became an agent for Farm Bureau Insurance.
• The German Restaurant was built in 1976 by the Klocke family. Fantastic meats. Great owners. (Performance Realty now is in the building).
• Finally, a picture from May 29, 1995, of the Stockbridge Legionettes. In the front row, far left is Marie Morgan. In the front row, far right is Dorene White.

This is just a very small snippet of information from Dorene’s historical collection. I hope to write more stories and include more pictures of our historic village in the upcoming months. Till next time…

The Stockbridge Legionettes march in the Memorial Day Parade on May 29, 1995. In the front row, far left is Marie Morgan. In the front row, far right is Dorene White.

In 1915, the water tower was built behind the present Mugg and Bopps store.

A postcard from 1908 shows the Soldiers Monument and Township Hall. Photos provided by Dorene White

Dorene’s father purchased the brick building on West Main Street to display Buick/Chevrolet cars.

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.