History

In 2026, Grosse Ile is marking a significant milestone: 250 years of recorded community history. From its earliest days as home to the Potawatomi people to its present identity as a vibrant island…
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Historical MuseumsAllen Park Historical Museum The 1888 Backhaus House 15504 Englewood Ave., Allen Park, MI 48101 Hours - Wed. 1:30 pm  - 4:30 pm & 2nd Sat. 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm By…
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WERE ANY DOWNRIVER PEOPLE INFLUENTIAL IN PATENTS OR INVENTIONS? Yes. Perhaps the best known of the many inventions concocted here is the Fire Escape, invented by W.S. Coon, a former clothing…
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Get ready for a blast from the past!  Click on any of the images below and enjoy many of these nostalgic images of Downriver's past.…
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ECORSE, FORT GEORGE, HOLIDAY, JOLLY ROGER, MICHIGAN DRIVE-INSThe drive-in era began in earnest…
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George H.W. Bush Downriver ResidencyBy Bethany NewtonGrosse Ile used to be home to a Naval Air Station Base that former President George H.W. Bush was once stationed at. The base opened in…
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Notable People From DownriverSTEVE AVERY, former MLB pitcher, Trenton, MI JOE C., rapper and groupie for Kid Rock, Taylor, MI LLOYD CARR, former U of M football coach,…
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Thanks to Downriver History for the contribution to this post.Columbia Steamer (Boblo Boat)LOCATION:  Currently in New York State INDUCTION:  1979 NOTES:  Moved from its port outside…
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ALL-METAL PRODUCTS COMPANYAll Metal Products Company, popularly known as Wyandotte Toys, was founded in 1920.  They produced inexpensive pressed metal toys under the Wyandottebrand name. …
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Downriver has always been a mecca for mom-and-pop restaurants. Many "big-box" stores and restaurants have also called Downriver their home. For whatever reasons, these establishments have left the…
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