Mill Town Heritage of Rochester and Avon Township The real estate professional’s mantra that “location is everything” was as true in Rochester’s pioneer days as it is today. Long before the James Graham party led white settlers to today’s Oakland County, its hospitable lakes and streams and the excellent fishing they offered drew native people to the area. Water also attracted the Grahams and those who followed them. It was an essential element to sustain life, and it would power the new … [Read more...]
Healthcare in Rochester with Doctor Siffring Before Crittenton Hospital
June 13, 2017 by 5 Comments
Dr. Loren Siffring Remembers Small-Town Medicine Later this summer marks the 50th anniversary of the day that Crittenton Hospital opened its doors to its very first patient. Today, area residents have a wide array of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and practitioners available nearby. The situation was very different, however, when Dr. Loren W. Siffring first came to town. A friendship forged in the Air Force brought Dr. Siffring to Rochester. He was a native of Colorado, where he … [Read more...]
Whims Insurance Celebrates a Century in Rochester
February 9, 2017 by 1 Comment
By Deborah J. Larsen When Tom Klix and his sister, Connie Klix Mercer, head to their offices at Whims Insurance each morning, they take a literal walk down memory lane. The company’s offices are on the second floor of the Mitzelfeld building at 322 S. Main Street. The municipal parking lot behind the building sits on property that was once the home of Klix and Mercer’s grandparents, Leslie and Lyla Whims. The two siblings now run the insurance agency their grandfather founded. They … [Read more...]
Byers Wrecker Service has Hooked-up the Rochester Area for Decades
January 10, 2017 by 8 Comments
Byers Wrecker Service Has Been Assisting Rochester Motorists for Decades By Deborah J. Larsen When Rochester area residents need a vehicle towed, they don’t say, “Call a wrecker.” They say, “Call Byers.” For 66 years, the familiar red tow trucks have responded to local residents needing assistance. Harry E. “Gene” Byers started out in auto transport work after serving in the army. But in 1951, he decided to start his own towing business. At first, his “office” was in the restroom of a … [Read more...]
Historical society offers gifts of history
November 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester-Avon Historical Society has three new items for sale, just in time for the holidays. The society’s first annual calendar has historic photos taken from postcards of the Rochester area. In addition, Deborah Larsen has authored a second book in the Remembering Rochester series entitled Vanished Rochester. The 44-page book highlights some of the area’s lost historic sites. The third item is a computer mouse pad with the image of the old Detroit United Railway trestle, including … [Read more...]
Trace the history of your house
June 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Ever wonder about the history of your home, when it was built, who else has lived there? Local historian and librarian Deborah Larsen will present a two-hour workshop on Tuesday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Public Library to guide local residents on how to discover more about the history of their home. Sponsored by the Rochester Historical Commission, the session is free but does require reservation. “Rochester area has a rich history and many of the homes are equally as … [Read more...]
Historical Society releases new book
December 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester – Avon Historical Society is excited about the new book it is offering just in time for holiday giving. Remembering Rochester – Main Street Stories by Deborah Larsen offers a charming view of Rochester’s Main Street of the past and the present. Through Larsen’s research, the stories reflect the rich history of Main Street. Did you know that Main Street’s first paved surface was made of brick and laid in 1916? The story is timely because the brick will again be exposed when … [Read more...]
