Friday, July 05, 2013

What happened to Detroit Memories on Facebook?


DETROIT MEMORIES

On Tuesday, July 2nd, the Detroit Memories Facebook page was transitioned from being a 3,400 member site to having only one member, me.

What were the reasons behind this change? Well, there were several:
 
In 2011, when the Detroit Memories Facebook page was created, it was the first of its kind to offer "memories of metro Detroit from the 50s, 60s and 70s." I was excited about having a venue where Detroiters could participate and share. For a very long time, it was everything I'd envisioned, and the group's membership grew steadily. 

However, in the last few months, the numbers suddenly began a dramatic increase. Till then, I'd never considered how large this group could become, and it was already requiring a higher level of diligence by the volunteer admins: Gary, Lee, Pat, and Bobbie, and me.

We prided ourselves on keeping the site organized and on topic. Guidelines were published from the onset that clearly expressed our theme (mentioned above) and our expectations. Because Detroit Memories is my business (as well as my pleasure), I considered the Facebook page an extension of my efforts, so it was important to me that the page was well managed and maintained. 

Along with the escalating membership, we found ourselves dealing with more and more criticism from those who felt that adhering to Guidelines had no place on Facebook. Rather than simply 'unsubscribe' and go elsewhere, they resorted to arguing, insults, name-calling and bashing our page in other Facebook groups, even going so far as to call us "copycats." I was then I knew we had lost our uniqueness...and I was losing what little was left of my civility.

I've dealt with many complainers in my 11 years as owner of Detroit Memories, but when the negatives begin to outweigh the positives, it's time to move away and move on. So that's what I'm doing.

Eventually Detroit Memories may reappear on Facebook, but if/when it does, it will be as a resource for Detroit-related news, photos, announcements and such. Don't look for this to happen any time soon. I need to research the alternatives available to accommodate the format I envision. Plus, I need a break from Facebook for awhile. When/if a new page is up and running, the announcement will be made in this Newsletter. 

Meanwhile, it's business as usual for the Arizona-Detroiters, Florida Detroiters, Texas-Detroiters, California-Detroiters and Nevada-Detroiters Facebook groups, the Detroit Memories website, and this monthly Newsletter.

My sincere appreciation to my Admins and to those of you who contributed, supported and enjoyed the Detroit Memories Facebook page for the past two years. 

Eileen Trombley Glick
Web: www.DetroitMemories.com
Email: detroitmemories@yahoo.com 

PS: Your comments or questions are welcome, either below or via email.

Cinderella's Glass Slipper 1960

Eileen,

My mother, Annette Urban Sobczak, was a Detroit native. In 1960, not only did the glass slipper fit, she was chosen as Cinderella! Could we expand on the tradition in some way? We have some photos and I would love a chance to preserve a piece of her memory. 

Sarah Sobszak Spoljarick
Taylor MI

 

The Detroit Times, August 17, 1960

AS THE STORY GOES -- Prince charming finds his Cinderella by means of a glass slipper. Here it's Mark Nardini, 10, Annette Urban, 9.

Blond, blue-eyed Annette won out over 6,347 other little Detroit girls in the Central Business District's annual Cinderella search and yesterday was crowned a princess.

The pretty 9-year-old was picked for the princess crown from among 87 finalists who each tried on Cinderella's glass slipper at the Bank of the Commonwealth.

Annette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Urban, of 6897 Edward, was crowned by Prince Charming, Mark Nardini, of 456 Bayside.

The princess will receive a back-to-school wardrobe and will be guest of honor at a luncheon Monday at the Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel.

Afterward she and Prince Charming will share a carriage ride to the old city hall where Annette will reign over a fashion show opening Back-To-School Week."


CLICK HERE for more 16 more photos!

Detroit Ticket Stubs

Hi Eileen, 

I was going through a few boxes and I found one envelope of old ticket stubs, all from the 1960s in Detroit

Leon "Lee" Dixon
St. Catherine's HS, 1966

DETROIT DRAGWAY
This was a championship even in the early 1960s
with Jack Chrisman setting a record in a 1964 Mercury Comet.



OLYMPIA STADIUM
I believe this was for Sly & The Family Stone.



BOB-LO ISLAND PARK
These were unused ride tickets from the Island...50 cents worth... which was a LOT to me at that time!



DSR BUS TRANSFERS
I used to ride the 2nd Blvd. bus every day to school.
It went along 
6 Mile Road, down 2nd... and then I would transfer to Forest Avenue Crosstown line to take me to St. Catherine)

________________________________________________________

Have something you'd like to share? 
Send it to me at detroitmemories@yahoo.com

HeartSoul Detroit Opening Night Celebration!

 Detroit Historical Society
5401 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-1805


St. Gregory's Alumni say goodbye



Ted Mac, St. Gregory class of 1954 and his wife Louise Mac, St. Gregory class of 1955, Livonia residents, walk the halls of their old school.

Photo by James Fassinger/Special to Detroit Free Press

The day was bittersweet for hundreds of people with decades of memories from St. Gregory the Great parish in Detroit. Many alumni, who grew up attending both the church and the now-shuttered grade school and high school, returned Sunday to reconnect with former classmates and say good-bye to the church that they believe will close in coming weeks. “There’s a lot of tears,” said Ward Case, president of the St. Gregory Alumni Association. “Some people upset that they won’t be coming back — they know it.”

Read more: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013306090153
By Elisha Anderson, Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

Sanders Vanilla Buttercream Bumpy Cake


Sanders Vanilla Buttercream Bumpy Cake flavor is now available at all Safeway, Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Dominick’s, Food City, Genuardi's and Carrs grocery stores across the country. Also available at all Sanders locations in Michigan & select MI Kroger locations. 

Enjoy this yellow cake with Sanders signature buttercream icing over traditional bumps. Decorate it with blueberries or strawberries.