In this three-part series, MCM will highlight GM’s early years, the company’s ups and downs during later, more tumultuous times, as well as what the future may hold for GM in Flint and at a national level.
It took me many years to finally understand and appreciate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I was only six years old when he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I was ten when he was killed in Memphis on April 4, 1968. During the ensuing years of junior high, high school and college we learned about him and his role in the struggle surrounding the American Civil Rights Movement.
Arthur Jerome Eddy, may not have a local street or building named after him, but he is still a prominent part of not only Flint’s history, but also the history of American Modern art.
Located in the heart of Downtown Flint the First Presbyterian Church of Flint is and always will be a downtown church. The church is as well-known for its community service and its music as it is known for its preaching of Scripture from the pulpit. Its rich history stretches back more than 175 years, interwoven with America’s history, it has stood the test of time through the Civil War, two world wars, 38 presidents and two assassinations, the first man on the moon, and the birth of General Motors.
James J. Hurley was born in London, England on August 31, 1849. In 1871, at the age of 22, he arrived in New York and then traveled directly to Grand Blanc, MI. By foot, he made it to Flint with one dollar in his pocket. He began working for a livery, earning $10 a month.
The historic Holly Hotel, well known for its August 29, 1908 visit from prohibitionist Carrie Nation, has also been referred to as “the most haunted building in Michigan.” There have been many reports of unexplainable incidents and ghost sightings there. Some of the Holly Hotel staff shared a few of their chilling tales with My City Magazine.
Providing students with world class academic and work experience, Kettering University is now a partner with 600 corporations including Bosch, Chrysler, Dow Automotive, DTE Energy, Texas Instruments, UPS, Timken, and Honda.
This year, the Flint Public Library is 165 years old. So, how did it begin?
Flint’s very own, Sophie Mary Kurys – better known as The Flint Flash – made the city proud from 1943 to 1952 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Born on May 14, 1925, the 5’5” 120-pound girl was 18 years old when she tried out for the Racine Belles. She was their pitcher, but was also fast; in 80 percent of the games, she stole at least one base, with an average of 150 steals per season between 1944 and 1950. Her career high was 201 bases in 1946, but she broke the World Record with a total of 1,114 stolen bases.
William Moeller, Senior Vice President of Investments and Portfolio Manager at Raymond James in Grand Blanc, was once a 22-year-old investment analyst who in January of 1959, moved from Detroit to Flint. Little did he know, that move would make him part of Flint’s history – and change his life forever.
I know … an apple a day is probably a better choice; but this is the month to celebrate America’s most beloved sandwich – because it’s National Hamburger Month! National Hamburger Day is May 28, not to be confused with National Cheeseburger Day, which is celebrated in September.
In the 19th century, many Irish settlers came to Flint. Many churches were established by the Irish, including St. Michael’s, which was started by Catholic immigrants from Ireland. According to the church’s history on their website, St. Michael’s originated in 1844, and it was Genesee County’s “Mother Church.” For 25 years, it was the only Catholic church serving the area.
