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Thursday 10am - 12pm Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Grosse Ile Historical Society, 25022 East River, North Huntingdon, PA (2026)

06/15/2026

GROSSE ILE THROUGH THE DECADES
Here’s the 21st feature in our continuing look back at 250 years of Grosse Ile.

Decade 21 - Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future, 1966–1975

The late 1960s and early 1970s brought major changes to Grosse Ile. New schools, churches, and community spaces reflected a growing population and a modernizing Island. At the same time, residents worked hard to preserve the Island’s history and character.

In 1966, Ernest Stanton of Westcroft Gardens won the American Rhododendron Society’s “Best of Show” award for his flower “Connie,” named after his wife. That same year, the Island’s Lutheran Church was formally dedicated, several years after its first services were held in 1962.

The community continued to grow. The Grosse Ile Historical Museum located in the railroad depot was dedicated in 1967. Author Isabella Swan published Deep Roots, a beloved book describing early Island life and families. In 1967, St. James Episcopal Chapel also celebrated its 100th anniversary.

New buildings reshaped the Island during this decade. Meridian Elementary School opened in 1969, and Sacred Heart Church dedicated its striking new ten-sided building that same year. Designed by architect George Diehl, the modern church featured a central altar and stained-glass windows symbolizing the waters surrounding Grosse Ile.

The decade also brought national and local turning points. In 1969, the Naval Air Station closed after decades as a major part of Island life. That same year, Americans watched astronauts walk on the moon for the first time. Longtime Island figure “Din” Rooney also passed away in 1969.

In 1971, a judge ruled that Celeron Island was part of Grosse Ile Township. Sacred Heart Parochial School closed after serving Island families for 23 years.

Grosse Ile also gained control of its airport. The Township received title to the former naval air station in 1971, and the airport officially reopened under Township ownership in 1972.

Not every event was positive. In 1973, the historic Survey Tree was toppled by strong winds. The Island also experienced severe flooding as Great Lakes water levels reached historic highs. Beloved Island Day School teacher Miss Nan Cole who operated her day care program out of the railroad depot from 1924-1929 died that same year.

Road crews tackled crumbling streets in 1972, repaving East River, Horsemill, and Macomb Roads. Residents jokingly called the project the end of “Chuckhole USA.”

Historic preservation became an important focus during the 1970s. In 1974, the East River Road area was named a National Historic District. The district included important homes and landmarks such as St. James Episcopal Chapel and the Michigan Central Railroad Depot.

The Grosse Ile Historical Society continued growing as well. Beginning in 1974, the Society invited DuMouchelles to provide appraisals of Island member heirlooms with donations of $2 going to the renovation of the Museum. In 1975, the Society launched its Holiday Boutique, which became a longtime Island tradition.

National events continued shaping local life. The Equal Rights Amendment passed Congress in 1972, and the Vietnam War came to an end in 1975. Also in 1975, the former Navy base officially began its transition into an industrial park, marking the close of one chapter in Island history and the beginning of another.

NOTE ON SCOPE: These are snapshots, not the whole album.
As we near the 250th anniversary, these snapshots offer a sense of Grosse Ile’s evolving story. They’re not the whole album — just chosen images that reveal something essential. We hope they inspire you to look closer.

06/12/2026

Let's ring in the 250th anniversary of our nation and our community!!!

06/12/2026

All Aboard!

Join the Grosse Ile Historical Society this Sunday, June 14th, for an afternoon celebrating our railroad heritage!

Corner of East River Road & Parkway

Activities & Museum Exhibits: 1:00–4:00 PM
Special Railroad History Presentation: 2:00 PM in the Customs House. There are just a few tickets left. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected].

Enjoy family-friendly railroad-themed games and crafts, explore fascinating artifacts, and learn how the railroad helped shape Grosse Ile's history.

Free and fun for all ages! Come discover a fascinating chapter of Grosse Ile's past.

06/08/2026

Mark your calendars! Grosse Ile’s 250th Celebration is coming to Centennial Farm on July 25. History, music, food, kids’ activities, and community fun — all free. Bring your friends and family!

06/08/2026

Grosse Ile’s story began on July 6, 1776 — and this year, we get to see the original deed that started it all. Join your neighbors at Township Hall on July 6 at 2 PM for a commemorative program and ice cream social. All are welcome.

05/29/2026

Hop on the bus and into Grosse Ile’s past! Free one‑hour narrated tours this Saturday at 2:00 and 4:00. History, landmarks, and great stories — all guided by our Historical Society docents. Sign up at the Historical Society booth at IslandFest - seats going fast!

05/27/2026

GROSSE ILE THROUGH THE DECADES
Join us for the 20th installment of our 250-year look at Grosse Ile's history.

Decade 20 - Progress, Preservation, and Community Spirit -1956–1965

The decade from 1956 to 1965 was a period of steady growth and rising community pride on Grosse Ile. Families were expanding, new institutions were taking shape, and national events—both hopeful and heartbreaking—left their mark on island life.

The 1956 donation of riverfront land by William Knudsen's family marked a key moment in community development. The donation led to the establishment of the Water’s Edge Recreation Complex.

Church life grew quickly during these years on our island, whose population had increased to 6,300. The Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church was chartered in 1957 with 114 members who first met in the Grosse Ile High School gym. A building fund allowed the congregation to purchase 6.5 acres at Horsemill and Parke Lane, lay a cornerstone in 1960, and dedicate a completed sanctuary and fellowship complex in 1961. A Casavant Frères pipe organ and rosewood cross, added in 1964, gave the church its lasting character. Meanwhile, St. Thomas Lutheran Church began as a mission in 1964, holding early services in Parke Lane Elementary before building its distinctive trimaran shaped church on Church Road. Earlier in the decade, in 1958, the new St. James Episcopal Church was dedicated, continuing a long tradition of worship on East River Road.

Civic life flourished alongside this growth. The Grosse Ile Historical Society was founded in 1959 to preserve the Island’s rich heritage. Just three years later, the island’s Military Stockade received its first official Historic Site marker—only the 23rd such designation in Michigan. The Historical Society would soon play another significant role in saving one of the Island’s best-known landmarks. In 1965, the Township purchased the historic Grosse Ile Lighthouse from the United States Department of the Interior for $350 using Historical Society funds. At a time when many Great Lakes lighthouses were being demolished, Island residents chose preservation instead, ensuring the lighthouse would remain a symbol of Grosse Ile for generations to come.

Up-to-date conveniences reshaped daily life. Gas mains were installed across the Island in 1963, and a long-awaited sewer system was completed in 1964, improving public health and supporting continued residential growth. New businesses followed: Nate’s Market opened in 1959, Richardson’s Service Station replaced Standard Oil, and islanders welcomed Dasher Drugs and a new Kroger in 1963. Pharmacist Earl Brown also opened a drugstore at East River and Macomb, creating another neighborhood gathering place. The new Township Hall on Macomb Street was completed in 1961, giving the community a civic home.

Education expanded to meet the needs of young families. Parke Lane Elementary opened in 1960, and in 1965, the classes shifted from the attachment to the 1911 Building to the new Grosse Ile High School on Grays Drive. During these years, the old Depot alternated between serving as the Township Offices and the Board of Education headquarters.

The Grosse Ile Naval Air Station remained highly active, training nearly 2,000 Naval and Marine reservists, many of whom would later serve in Vietnam. In 1960, one of the base’s most recognizable structures, the large, checkered hangar, was moved to West Road in Trenton and converted into a bowling alley, giving the landmark a surprising second life.

Community organizations also grew. The Grosse Ile Kiwanis Club was chartered in 1962, adopting its motto of improving the world “one child and one community at a time.” Two years later, local readers formed the Grosse Ile Book Club, continuing the Island’s tradition of civic involvement and lifelong learning. Leadership shifted as well: in 1964, Merle Solomon became Grosse Ile’s first—and still only—woman Township Supervisor.

National events touched the Island throughout the decade. The Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957, linking Michigan’s two peninsulas. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, inspiring many young Americans. His assassination in 1963 shocked the nation and deeply saddened island residents. And in 1964, Beatlemania swept across the country with the release of “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” capturing the spirit of a rapidly changing era.

The decade closed with dramatic moments. The winter of 1965 brought “The Big Blizzard,” a storm Islanders would remember for years. That same year, the freighter John T. Hutchinson struck the Toll Bridge, causing considerable damage.

By 1965, Grosse Ile had become a community shaped by growth, civic pride, and preservation. New schools, churches, businesses, and public services strengthened daily life, while residents protected the landmarks and traditions that anchored their identity. Together, these efforts shaped the Island that would carry its character and sense of place into the years ahead.

NOTE ON SCOPE: As the 250th anniversary approaches, these pieces offer highlights from Grosse Ile’s past. They’re not meant to be exhaustive. Instead, they shine a light on moments that reveal the island’s spirit and invite you to wander deeper into its history.

05/20/2026

Once upon a time, the sound of train whistles helped shape life on Grosse Ile — we’re bringing that story back to life.

Join us June 14th for an afternoon of railroad‑themed games, museum exhibits, and a special 2 pm presentation on how rail travel connected our island to Canada and beyond.

It’s free, it’s local, and it’s a beautiful way to celebrate the history right under our feet.
Presentation seating is limited — reserve at [email protected].

Come be part of the story.

05/16/2026

GROSSE ILE THROUGH THE DECADES
Decade 19 - 1946 to 1955 - Post World War II Years

Join us for the 19th stop in our 250-year tour of Grosse Ile history.

The decade after World War II brought energy, rebuilding, and a renewed sense of community to Grosse Ile as the Island balanced small-town traditions with the demands of changing times. In 1946, post-war life settled back into familiar rhythms. Cliff Gronda opened his barbershop, quickly becoming a gathering place where neighbors traded stories and news. Local veterans organized VFW Post 7310, creating a lasting home for fellowship and remembrance.

The Island had its interesting moments—an island-wide manhunt erupted when two convicts escaped from the Milan Correctional Facility, drawing state and local officers into a tense search across the marshes and roads. That same year, the aging wooden bridge to Hickory Island was replaced with a more durable concrete span.

Local journalism also took root. Behind Richardson’s station, a small wooden building buzzed with activity as The Ile Camera—founded in 1945 by two ambitious high school students—was printed each week. When the young founders stepped back to focus on school, publishers Henry and Dorothy Hoch, historian Isabella Swan, writer Meg Bremer Jones, and artist Tommy Woodward kept the paper alive, helping it grow into a beloved community institution that spanned 70 years.

By 1947, civic life was flourishing. Grosse Ile’s first service club, the Rotary Club, received its charter under the motto “One Profits Most Who Serves Best,” setting a tone of volunteerism that would shape the community for decades. Sacred Heart Parochial School opened its doors to 107 students in grades one through six, marking a new chapter in local education. Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company engineers founded the Ford Yacht Club, offering boating and social activities for “families of moderate means” at the modest annual dues of $15.

Youth culture blossomed in 1948 when the Austerberry family donated their buildings and acreage to create the Island’s first Community Youth Center. Housed in a converted barn off Meridian Road, it quickly became a lively gathering place where teenagers listened to emerging rock-and-roll bands and danced on weekend nights.

In 1949, the Grosse Ile Yacht Club completed its new clubhouse on Peek a Boo Island, continuing a boating tradition that began in 1934. Earlier, an East River boathouse had been dragged over to Peek-a-Boo Island to serve as a temporary clubhouse.

As the 1950s began, Grosse Ile found itself connected to national trends and global events. In 1950, the Island hosted its first Navy Ball, featuring Tommy Dorsey’s famous band and filling the night with big band sound. The Grosse Ile Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Memorial Marker honoring World War II veterans, reinforcing the community’s respect for service. That year also saw Grosse Ile prevail in its long dispute with Wyandotte over possession of Hennepin Point, and the census recorded a population of 3,906.

Sports and recreation continued to shape Island life. West Shore Golf & Country Club—whose clubhouse dated to 1946—had become a hub for local and regional players. Throughout the postwar decades, businessmen closed their shops on Thursday afternoons to play golf alongside athletes from the Lions, Tigers, and the University of Michigan.

National events also touched the Island. The end of the Korean War (1950–1953) brought relief to families with loved ones overseas, even as life on Grosse Ile continued to evolve. That same year, the Show Boat Tearoom—a beloved 1930s inn on West River Road—was destroyed by fire, and Elba-Mar Yacht Club was incorporated on land once part of the Olds Estate, its name drawn from the marshy shoreline near Elba Island. The original Grosse Ile Hardware Store also opened, adding everyday convenience for residents.

At the south end of the island, the U.S. Army installed an Ajax Nike missile base (Site D 51) as part of the nation’s expanding Cold War air defense network. Designed to intercept Soviet bombers, the site operated until 1963, offering a sobering reminder that global tensions reached even this quiet community.

By 1955, growth was reshaping the area. Downriver’s first major shopping center—Lincoln Park Plaza—opened at Fort and Emmons, signaling the rise of suburban retail.

Across these years, Grosse Ile balanced tradition with transformation. Schools, clubs, and community spaces grew; bridges and buildings were rebuilt; music, sports, and youth culture thrived; and, through it all, the Island’s sense of identity—rooted in service, community, and the river—continued to deepen as it moved confidently into the future.

NOTE ON SCOPE: In anticipation of the 250th celebration, we’re sharing guided glimpses of Grosse Ile’s history. They don’t attempt to tell every story, but they capture moments that help define the island. Let them spark your own discoveries.

05/07/2026

Decade 18 — 1936 to 1945 War Clouds, River Stories, and an Island Transformed

Enjoy our 18th chapter in this 250 year journey through Grosse Ile’s history.

The decade spanning 1936 to 1945 was a notable era for Grosse Ile, where the cozy traditions of island life collided with the staggering scale of global events. In 1936, Detroit’s city water line finally reached the Island, replacing a long-standing reliance on wells. That same year, one of the Great Lakes’ most beloved excursion steamers met a dramatic end. After departing Sugar Island, the SS Tashmoo struck a submerged rock and sank in the Detroit River. All 1,400 passengers were safely brought ashore, but the loss effectively ended the era of large excursion boats serving Sugar Island’s amusement park. Once famous for its roller coaster, grandstand, shady picnic grounds, and its enormous 14,000 square foot dance pavilion, the park soon closed.

Even as some traditions faded, others took root. In 1937, the Grosse Ile Yacht Club hosted its first Muskrat Dinner, a uniquely Downriver celebration that blended local flavor with community gathering. A year later, residents on Hickory Island organized the Hickory Island Yacht Club, reinforcing the Island’s deep and enduring connection to boating and river life.

Nature made its own memorable contribution in 1939, when a “spectacular” sleet storm coated the island in thick ice, halting daily routines and leaving an impression residents would recall for generations. That same year, a very different kind of landmark rose along West River Road. Harry Bennett, the powerful and controversial head of security for Henry Ford, constructed his striking Oriental-style estate—known as “the Pagoda.” Its dramatic architecture and waterfront presence made it one of the most recognizable homes on the Great Lakes. Stories circulated of hidden tunnels, escape routes, and elaborate defenses, fueled in part by Bennett’s notoriety following the violent 1937 Battle of the Overpass on Miller Road outside the Ford Rouge complex. While many tales were exaggerated, Bennett’s caution was genuine; he was known to avoid the front door, preferring quieter exits by boat or through concealed passageways.

By 1940, Grosse Ile’s appeal extended to many notable figures and traditions. Detroit Tigers catcher Mickey Cochrane built a home on land reportedly gifted to him by Henry Ford. Around the same time, the towering evergreen at Martin’s Corner became a beloved winter tradition, its holiday lights glowing brightly enough to be seen from Canada. At 25630 East River Road, the Hentig/Lowrie/Corbett House—standing on the site of an early stockade—became home to Sidney Corbett and his wife Lucy. His popular Detroit News column Pot Shots from a Grosse Ile Kitchen blended island history with recipes and local color. Around the same time, fellow Detroit News columnist H. C. L. Jackson—beloved for his humorous takes on civic life—became a familiar voice to Island readers, later commemorated with a street in the Potawatomi Woods subdivision.

In 1943, the Detroit Lions held their training camp at West Shore Golf & Country Club. They were coached by Gus Dorais, who—along with Knute Rockne—pioneered the forward pass. Notable Lions players included Heisman Trophy winner Frank Sinkwich and University of Michigan standout Bob Westfall.

As the world edged toward war, Grosse Ile found itself unexpectedly at the center of international aviation training. In 1941—just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor—the first 100 British cadets arrived at the Grosse Ile Naval Air Station. Over the course of the war, 1,800 British trainees would pass through the base. That same year, baseball legends Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth played a charity golf match at the Grosse Ile Country Club to support the U.S.O., drawing crowds eager for distraction during uncertain times.

In 1945, a young naval aviator named George H. W. Bush—future U.S. president—arrived at Grosse Ile for six weeks of training with Torpedo Squadron Ninety Seven. By the time World War II ended later that year, 225 Islanders out of a total population of 2,200 had served, and eleven had given their lives.

Daily life continued to evolve. In 1941, Ernie Richardson opened Richardson’s Gas Station, the Island’s lone full service station for many years. Four years later, a new generation stepped forward when teenagers Pam Marsh and Pat Lawrence published the first issue of The Ile Camera—the beginning of a homegrown publication devoted to preserving and sharing the community’s stories for years to come.

By the close of 1945, the Island was more connected, more visible, and more deeply woven into the wider world than ever before.

NOTE ON SCOPE: In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary, we’re sharing a handful of moments from Grosse Ile’s story. They don’t cover everything — just scenes that help sketch the broader picture. We hope they encourage you to keep looking.

Grosse Ile Historical Society

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

05/29/2026

05/27/2026

05/20/2026

05/16/2026

05/07/2026

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