1946 Tornado–St. Johns, Michigan

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I pulled these images from slides. I was surprised to find them in my recent estate sale purchase. The previous owner did a lot of traveling. Most of the slides are focused on the trips. I admit, I love seeing their adventures. And, my bucket list is getting a lot of great ideas.

But these slides were focused on the aftermath of a tornado in Clinton County, Michigan.

Each slide has handwriting on them. In pencil are the date, event, and location. The tornado took place in August 1946 in St. Johns, Michigan.

A couple of the slides had extra details like Rudy’s trailer.

The broken trees were on Clinton Ave. I found this interesting. My grandfather lived on Clinton Ave. for years.

There’s no further identifying information on the next three slides.

The sign in the rubble reads, welding. Perhaps, the name on the business sign is Gary.

A lot of people showed up to help.

The next two slides are labeled, “Aunt Nellie’s house”.

I am assuming the lady with the flowered dress is Aunt Nellie.

Tornadoes leave a path of debris and destruction. I am hoping no one was hurt in this event.

I am hoping someone out there can provide more information on this tornado. I did a little research but did not find a lot of information. If I come across my slides from this event, I will definitely post them.

Until next time…peace

Belle Isle Fountain

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The photo is actually a digitalized version of a slide. The original photographer left some information on the back. I love when people add little notes.

The photo is dated 7-27-1957 with the notes Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit.

I am a Michigander. I cannot believe I have never seen this fountain in person. I did a little research on the Belle Isle Fountain which is actually called the James Scott Memorial Fountain. The fountain was constructed in 1925.

Yes, I added the fountain to my ever growing bucket list of things to see in Michigan.

Have you seen the James Scott Memorial Fountain in person? Tell me your thoughts.

Until next time…peace.

A Photo From the Past

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The cold, winter Michigan days have kept me indoors.  I do not mind the snow but when the temperatures are -11˚F, I tend to retreat indoors by my fireplace.  I am happy to see the temperatures finally getting above 20˚F.  Of course the warmer temperatures will mean snow.  But I can handle snow, in fact I like to go and take photos of the fresh, fallen snow on the trees and creek bank.

So, I have been spending more time working on photos and researching the areas, I think they may be derived.  In the last set of slides that I purchased from an estate sale, I have noticed a woman in a black coat in most of the photos.  I am assuming she is traveling with companion.  I wish I knew who she was, what her story is, or why she took the trip. Perhaps, one of these times someone will recognize a person in one of my photos and I will be able to learn the story.

I do know the last batch of photos was taking in a warm climate.  I am thinking in the Florida area.  One of my friends suggested the one photo resembles Daytona Beach. The photos with businesses in the background do not have any recognizable landmarks.  One of the clearer businesses is called Sweet & Blossum Florist.

Even though, I researched the business, I still did not come up with any answers.  So, I am going to try and find a historical society in Florida just to ask if they have heard of the business.  I will let everyone know where my efforts lead.