Detroit Historical Society
Y2K: Are You Ready? A Drill for Y2K Preparedness (1999)
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U-Matic tape containing footage of the May 3, 1988 press conference with Mayor Coleman A. Young, Mouseketeers Sherry Alberoni and Bobby Burgess, and Mickey Mouse, held as part of a campaign marking Mickey Mouse's 60th birthday.
The recording begins with Alberoni and Burgess at the podium beside Mayor Young and Mickey Mouse, as the camera operator finds the focus. They note Mickey's 60th birthday, and the mayor's approaching 70th birthday, The mayor is presented some gifts including a personalized Mickey Mouse ears hat, which he has donned following a cut. Mayor Young in turn presents a key to the city to Mickey Mouse.
While members of the group begin posing for photos, Sherry Alberoni and Bobby Burgess address questions from the press about their work with Disney and time on the Mickey Mouse Club. They provide a brief explanation and follow up with their current activities with Disney, as Mayor Young opens the gifts.
After another cut, Mayor Young returns to the podium to take some questions from the press. He is then asked about whether or not he believes in astrology and if he reads his horoscope. He responds by making a joke; stating that he reads his horoscope the morning prior and got back in bed.
After Mickey Mouse, Sherry Alberoni, and Bobby Burgess leave the press conference changes to more serious matters. A member of the media off screen asks Mayor Young about drug testing procedures and policies for police officers and other city employees. Mayor Young responds, discussing how he is currently conducting a study and gathering information so he can make an informed decision. Mayor Young stresses that he does not want to rush a policy and that the matter needs to be taken seriously.
The recording is on a U-Matic UCA 30s tape, with a handwritten label marked, "Mickey Mouse Press Conf., May 3, 1988" The tape is housed in a black plastic latching 3M case with a matching handwritten label.
2022.055.002
16mm black and white film "World's Championship Football Game," containing highlights from the December 27, 1953 National Football League Championship Game between the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns in Briggs Stadium in Detroit. The film was produced by Tel Ra Productions for the Miller Brewing Company. Earl Gillespie provides narration. The game footage is shot both from overhead, as well as from the sidelines, and occasionally makes use of slow-motion.
The reel opens with title cards and a voice over stating the film is presented by Miller High Life. Earl Gillespie is then shown seated at a desk in front of a Miller High Life logo where he introduces the film.
The footage from the day of the game begins with exterior shots of Briggs Stadium, including crowds, traffic, and a row of taxi cabs on Michigan Avenue, as well as a shot of a man selling pennants.
The action then moves into the stadium, with shots introducing the Browns' starters as they take the field--Abraham "Abe" Gibron (64), Charles "Charlie" Noll (65), Lou Groza (76), John "Johnny" Sandusky (78), Darrel "Pete" Brewster (88), Dante Lavelli (86), Otto Graham (14), Ray Renfro (26), William "Dub" Jones (40), and Harry "Chick" Jagade (32). The Lions' starters are then introduced over shots of them already on field--Charley Ane (50), Harley Sewell (66), Dick Stanfel (63), Oliver Spencer (78), Lou Creekmur (76), Leon Hart (82), Dorne Dibble (87), Robert "Bobby" Layne (22), Doak Walker (37), Gene Gedman (26), and Bob "Hunchy" Hoernschemeyer (14). The coin toss is followed by a brief shot of the crowd, and then the kickoff by Bobby Layne.
Among the highlights that follow in the first half are Doak Walker's touchdown and subsequent conversion early in the game, the Browns' field goal in the second quarter, Jim Doran's touchback, Jimmy David's 37-yard gain following an intercepted pass, an ineligible touchdown by Bobby Layne, Doak Walker's field goal, and Harry Jagade's 29-yard gain.
In a brief shot during the intermission, "colorful local Detroit high school bands" are shown performing in a formation which spells out "Lions" on the field
The highlights in the second half of the game include Harry Jagade helping the Browns to catch up with a touchdown, Lou Groza's conversion which ties the game, Lou Groza's field goal in the third quarter which puts the Browns into the lead, Doak Walker catching a pass from Bobby Layne then getting tackled immediately in front of the camera on the sidelines, Harry Jagade's 30-yard run, Lou Groza scoring yet another field goal, Bobby Layne's 33-yard pass to Jim Doran in the end zone which ties the game in the final minutes, and Doak Walker's conversion which gives the Lions the lead.
The film closes by returning to Earl Gillespie at the desk.
The film is housed in a grey metal tin hand-labeled, "1953 Lions vs Browns Champ Game," which in turn is within an olive mailing carton.
16mm black and white film "Men and Mills," produced by Marshal Templeton for the Great Lakes Steel Corporation about the company's steel mills on Zug Island on the Detroit River. The film consists of footage of the factories, the milling process, and the workers, accompanied by a narrative voice-over.
Nominations are open through June 30, visit http://www.detroithistorical.org/hustle
U-Matic tape containing footage of the July 28, 1992 press conference at the City County Building with Mayor Coleman A. Young and Rosa Parks concerning the Reverse Freedom Tour program—an educational program sponsored by the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.
The recording begins with Mayor Young taking the podium. He then recognizes in the program who are present as the camera pans around the table. He then discusses the program, its aims, its history, and Detroit’s role in civil rights history. He mentions Greenfield Village and Windsor’s The John Freeman Walls Historic Site as local site that the students will visit. Mayor Young then presents five checks to Mayor Coleman Young on behalf of donors who each stand in recognition.
Rosa Parks then takes the podium to thank the donors, the mayor, and finally the press for supporting the program. Mayor Young then returns to the podium and makes a joke about Parks’ gratitude toward the press.
Young then introduces Elaine Steel of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. She in turn recognizes more people in the room for their participation in the project, then details the local itinerary of the tour, including a feast, fashion show, visits to local historical sites, and a panel discussion featuring Rosa Parks, Dick Gregory, Julian Bond, Jamil Al-Amin, Dr. Roberta Hughes Wright, Joann Watson, and Bryan E. Walls.
Young returns to the podium to introduce Congressman John Conyers. Conyers praises the program and connects it to the upcoming election. Next, Young introduces Michigan State Senator Virgil Smith, who reflects on the importance of educating young people about the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
Young then takes questions from those assembled. These questions involve the demographics of the donors, and a recent radio interview which Young gave where the host did not know what “Jim Crow” meant. Off-camera members of the press then ask Parks a series of questions, including her reasons for sponsoring the program, what she most wants the young people involved in the program to take away from it, and voter turn-out among young African Americans.
Young, Parks, and the program’s donors then pose for photos for the press across a series of cuts.
After another cut, Young is back at the podium where he is answering questions about union negotiations with the city’s workers, including those of the Emergency Medical Service.
The recording is on a U-Matic UCA 30 tape, with a handwritten label marked, "Rosa Parks Reverse Freedom Tour P.C. 1, 7-28-1992." The tape is housed in a black plastic latching 3M case with a matching handwritten label.
Guests can take in a panoramic view of the Detroit River and Canada and step back in time through Detroit's history.
With indoor and outdoor space available, your venue rental options are limitless! The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is truly a unique venue sure to make your event special. Learn more at detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/rentals/general-information-pricing.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/83281266-23EB-4974-8DA3-255589850353
Silent 8mm film containing footage shot in and around Detroit, including footage of Belle Isle, the Detroit River, Henry Ford Museum, the Detroit Zoo, White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, several houses of worship along Woodward Avenue, the New Center area, the Brewster Homes, Black Bottom, and downtown.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/0BBCACDE-1B11-4227-97DB-802490348181
U-Matic tape containing a recording of the film "Just In Time," produced by Urban Communications Group for the City of Detroit's Community and Economic Development Department and the Department of Public Information. Based around the "just in time manufacturing" model, the film was intended to help spur industrial development in the city as parts suppliers and manufactures relocate closer to the city's assembly plants that they serve. The film features Gary McMillin, the Director of Materials Management for General Motors Assembly; Dave Bing, the President of Bing Steel; Tony Barclae, the President of Cameo Color Coat; and Mayor Coleman A. Young.
The film's brief intro consists of narration over a series of evening and nighttime aerial shots. These shots include the Renaissance Center, a freighter on the Detroit River with the skyline and the sunset in the background, a night game at Tiger Stadium, and the Ambassador Bridge. Early sepia-toned assembly line footage follows showing demonstrating the assembly lines process, then working on actual lines. The title graphic then appears over footage of a contemporary assembly line.
As the contemporary assembly line footage continues, the narrator introduces the concept of "just in time manufacturing." Gary McMillin, the Director of Materials Management for General Motors Assembly then appears to discuss the new Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant, supplemented by footage of its construction and operations. The narration then returns to further explain "just in time manufacturing" over further footage of the plant, it's workers, robotics, and the semi trucks supplying it.
Dave Bing, the President of Bing Steel, Incorporated, appears next to discuss his role as a supplier in the "just in time" model. He talks about locating adjacent to the new General Motors plant. Bing mentions planning to open a restaurant near his plant, and expects similar developments by others. In additional to footage of Bing at his plant, this section also features a map showing the locations of Ford, General Motors, and Dodge plants and suppliers in Detroit. This segment also includes footage of a J.I.T. Distribution Center Incorporated building, water tower, and truck.
Next the narrator notes that Cameo Color Coat recent acquired the former Fisher Body Plant 21 to become a just in time supplier for the new General Motors Plant. Tony Barclae, the President of Cameo Color Coat then provides a brief comment. Narration about his company, their contract with General Motors, and footage of their facilities follows. This section also contains footage of the computers used to communicate between the companies, a General Motors assembly line, the sign for Ford Motor Company's World Headquarters, a Chrysler Corporation water tower, aerial footage of the interchange between I-94 and I-75, workers on one of American Natural Resources' natural gas drilling rigs, an aerial shot of the Detroit River, and the Renaissance Center.
Next to address the role of the City of Detroit in fostering these developments, Mayor Coleman A. Young addresses the camera from his office. The narrator then directly addresses the viewer on behalf of the City, offering help to locate a site for a development, and listing the various forms of financial assistance that are available. Employment training programs, regional educational resources, and the area's transportation infrastructure are also cited as incentives. This concluding montage features shots of an undeveloped site on the riverfront, and of the Motor City Industrial Park in the former Packard plant, students in a computer classroom, the campus of Oakland University, a freighter passing downtown Detroit's skyline as viewed from Windsor, the Ambassador Bridge, an airplane taking off, a truck on a freeway, a train, a crane unloading a freighter, the interchange between I-96 and the Southfield Freeway, the construction of the Millender Center, people jogging, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, a group riding in a horse-drawn carriage, a saxophonist at the Montreux-Detroit International Jazz Festival, diners at the New Hellas Café, people running in a marathon, and the city's skyline. The film ends with the "Do It In Detroit" campaign logo.
The video is on a UCA-10 U-Matic tape, with an Allied Video Services label printed with "Just in Time. The tape is housed within a black plastic case with a matching label.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/58CA639C-444E-4E8D-A848-288285679403
Silent color 35mm reel containing footage shot by Jack Goodford of General Television Associates for a Boblo Island promotional video. The footage shows several of the park's rides, and, in many shots, focuses on the experiences of a family. Many of the shots include multiple takes.
The reel opens with shots of the Pirate ride before moving onto show the featured family in the dodge 'em cars.
Then the reoccurring couple is show walking among the midway games. The woman holds a stuffed blue dog. Members of the production's crew are captured in a brief shot featuring a man wearing a t-shirt with the logo of the Michigan-made 1981 film "Word of Honor."
This is followed by multiple takes of a chorus line of performers from one of the park's musical revue shows.
The boy and father from the featured family are then shown on the carousel. Then the boy is shown walking along the boat's ramp among a crowd of people. Next, the mascot costumed Boblo bear mascot gets several close-ups while he waves.
The camera then pans across some of the midway game prizes--stuffed panda bears and bananas. A man and woman are also shown walking with a plush doll of the Peanuts character Woodstock past the entrance to the Maxivision Stand-Up Theatre.
Two more rides are then shown--the Log Flume, and the Flying Swings.
The reoccurring couple is then filmed sharing cotton candy. Then the family is shown at a picnic table.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "W.O. 32072 The II Boblo Dailies. 2. Entertainment C.U. Bea[…]"
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/07757379-F8B0-4B14-9959-290906413193
Silent color 35mm reel containing footage shot by Jack Goodford of General Television Associates for a Boblo Island promotional video. The footage shows several of the park's rides, and, in many shots, focuses on the experiences of a family. Many of the shots include multiple takes.
The film opens with a shot of a clapboard labeled "GTA #1745 'Boblo,' Roll 2, Dir.: J. Goodford, Cam.: B. Hirschenson, 6-10-81, Day Ext." followed by footage of passengers, including the re-occurring family waving from the promenade of one of the Boblo boats. Then, a couple are shown eating hot dogs. Next, a series of shots of the Enterprise ride includes a brief shot of a clapboard. The clapboard reads, "G.T.A. #1745 Boblo, Roll 8, Dir.: J. Goodford, Cam: B. Hirschenson, 6-11-81, Day Ext." The following shots then showcase other rides--the Polyp, then the Tilt-A-Whirl.
Next, the family from the initial shot is featured prominently for several scenes. First they are filmed eating ice cream. Then the boy is shown riding the Kiddie Boats. And the family is shown enjoying the Dodge'em Cars.
The video then returns to general park footage with a shot of the lights and canopy above a rotating ride, and several shots of the Pirate ship ride and park-goers around it.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "W.O. 32072 The II Boblo Dailies," and "Return to Clients Positive Work Print Dailies, 3 Boxes 'Boblo.'" The box includes an invoice from Postique to W.B. Doner, dated January 31, 1984.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/D1F0071B-D2FC-4DFE-95E9-548082192637
Silent color 16mm film containing footage of a trip to Boblo Island presumably shot and assembled for a 1962 episode of the WWJ-TV show "Weekend." The footage features the downtown Detroit dock, rides to and back aboard the Boblo Boats, and rides and other attractions on the island.
Silent color 35mm film shot for a Castorri and Company advertisement for Boblo Island on May 12, 1987, of the Skytower and the carousel.
The film opens with a shot of a clapboard, labeled "Castorri and Co., Boblo Island #1387, Scene 1, Date: May 12, Take 1." Ron Castorri is listed as both the director and the camera operator. This is followed by several shots of the park's Skytower. The camera zooms in and out from the logo at its top, and pans along its length.
This is followed by scene 2, take 1, on the same day, in which the camera films children on the park's carousel. Some children wave to the camera.
The film is in a 35mm canister with several labels. An Eastman Kodak label has been partially covered by a length of cloth tape marked, "1000' 5247-072-111 (34) Sc 1 Tk 1, Sc 2 Tk 2, Roll 1, AAAP." Another length of cloth tape around the side of the canister is labeled, "WO# 71271 Orig. 5247 Castorri & Co. #1387 'Boblo' (Roll #1) 5-13-87." A Producers Color Service, Inc. form label on the tin's lid lists Castorri as the customer, "Boblo Island" as the title, "5-13" as the date, "1" as the roll number, and "1000" beside "Footage."
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/DA94A4F2-27A1-47CB-A19B-213957321153
Silent color 35mm reel containing low-flying aerial footage of Boblo Island shot for commercials and promotional videos.
The reel begins with an Image Express logo. Two fly-overs follow. The begin over the water on the island's east side with a bearing to the northwest, then over the center of the park turn to proceed south over the island's west side--above the Sky Streak roller coaster.
The first take is partially reprinted on film reel 2015.086.019.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "84-0510-1 "Boblo" 3x:10's-(16mm)1x:10-(35mm). Sel OCN For Xfer"
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/07832348-E501-467F-A1FA-536065924956
Silent color 35mm film reel containing footage shot for Boblo Island promotional purposes. The footage includes several takes of children playing in Fort Fun's ball pit, people outside the entrance to Fort Fun, and children interacting with the park's bear mascot by the park's fountain.
The majority of the reel is dedicated to footage of children playing in Fort Fun's ball pit. A clapboard that appears about half-way through the reel is marked Scene 103; Prod. AFI #524; Dir/Cam Randall; Roll 5, 5-9-85."
The next sequence on the reel is shot outside of the entrance to Fort Fun, showing people approaching and leaving from its gate. A clapboard shown during this scene is marked, "Scene 104, Take 1; Prod. AFI #524; Dir/Cam Randall; Roll 5; 5-9-85."
The final shots on the reel are of children interacting with the costumed Boblo bear mascot beside the park's fountain. The lion mascot is visible in the background. A marker shown during this sequence is labeled, "Scene 105, Take 1; Prod. AFI #524; Dir/Cam Randall; Roll 5; 5-9-85."
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "AAA-26, H.P. 2946 Doner, Bob-Lo OCN. W.O. 58652 5/10/85, A.F.I. Prod. #524, 'Boblo' Orig. 5247 R#2 (Rolls 4+5). K66458, 68940."
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/81E0D442-EC4D-4B4C-8E2E-404459079070
Silent color 35mm film reel containing footage shot for Boblo Island promotional purposes. The reel contains the workprint two Boblo commericals. Both spots begin with Harvey's Place Incorporated Editorial Service Work Picture countdowns.
The first spot is thirty seconds long and features an fly-over of the west side of the island, the Screamer, Fort Fun, the ball pit, the Falling Star, a chorus line from a musical revue, the Boblo bear mascot interacting with a group of children, and aerial shot of STE. CLAIR with the Ambassador Bridge in the background.
The second shot features several scenes of the Screamer, and is ten seconds in length.
The film is on a blue plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "AAA-14, H.P. 2946. Boblo SFX Outs Wk. Pix."
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/43C1F6B9-6FFD-4017-B3A1-000238222664
Silent color 16mm reel containing footage shot for a Boblo Island promotional video. The footage shows the Falling Star ride at night, performers from one of the park's musical shows, and children having fun with the park's mascots.
The reel begins with an Image Express logo, before getting into the night time footage of the Falling Star.
This is followed by a brief shot of a clapboard marked "Roll 3. Prod. No. Boblo 430. Scene 301, Take 6, Sound: MOS. Director, Camera Man: Bill Randall. Date: May 9/84 W.B. Doner. Prod'r: A.F.I."
Next are shots of the performers from one of the park's revue shows performing a chorus line and bowing. The women wear gold dresses, and the men wear tuxedos with gold shirts. The stage's rear wall is painted with "Music" in script lettering. Another clapboard visible between takes records this as scene 201, take 40, on the same day.
The final segment on the reel is of the costumed Boblo bear mascot, the duck mascot, and a group of children with balloons, as filmed from behind a group of trees. Another clapboard shot records one take as being roll 7, scene 101, take 16, again on May 9, 1984.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "84-0510-1 "Boblo" 3x:10's-(16mm)1x:10-(35mm). Sel OCN For Xfer"
Silent color 35mm film shot by Castorri and Company of the Boblo Island attraction "Captain Andy's Rivertown Review" on May 12, 1987 for a advertisement for the park.
The film opens with footage of from over the shoulder of the Captain Andy animatronic figure--a dog in a fire captain's uniform who plays a banjo. From over the figure's shoulder, the camera captures the reactions of children in the audience. Near the end of the reel, the Captain Andy figure and other stage elements are also shot from head-on. A clapboard near the beginning of the reel is labeled "Castorri and Co., Boblo Island #1387, Scene 3, Date: May 12, Take 1." Ron Castorri is listed as both the director and the camera operator.
The film is in a 35mm canister with several labels. An Eastman Kodak label has been partially covered by a length of cloth tape marked, "1000 5294-643-126 'Boblo Island' Castorri & Co. Roll 2 AAA-7." Another length of cloth tape around the side of the canister is labeled, "WO# 71271 Orig. 5247 Castorri & Co. #1387 'Boblo' (Roll #2) 5-13-87." A Producers Color Service, Inc. form label on the tin's lid lists Castorri as the customer, "Boblo Island" as the title, "5-13" as the date, "2" as the roll number, and "1000" beside "Footage."
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/05514B67-C155-4498-B44F-966318932228
Silent color 16mm reel containing a workprint composed of footage shot for a Boblo Island promotional video. The shots feature the island's flowers, picnic area, costumed mascots, the Bob-Lo Pavilion Theatre's exterior, miniature golf course, Hofbrau Tavern exterior, giant slide, Ferris wheel, park guests, docks, the Boblo boat COLUMBIA, chair lift, Maritime Monument, marina, and the Log Flume.
The video opens with several shots of the island's flowers, with attractions such as the Round-Up and the C.P. Huntington train in the background. This is followed by several shots of people in the park's picnic area. In several such shots, the mascots Louie the lion and a pelican in a green polka-dotted outfit, visit the picnickers. Next are several shots taken outside of the Bob-Lo Pavilion Theatre, including the building's sign, and people walking along the walkways around it. Several shots follow of golfers and obstacles at the park's miniature golf course.
After a brief cut, the footage returns with a shot of a sign depicting the park’s lion mascot and the text, "Amaze. Amaze. Follow me for fun," and a zoom out from the sign for the Hofbrau Tavern to the building itself. Children are then filmed riding down the park's giant slide, and families are shown getting off the Ferris wheel. Park-goers are then shown walking in the vicinity of the park's docks. During this portion the Boblo boat COLUMBIA is shown at dock, and departing, the ferry PAPOOSE IV is shown approaching, and the PAPOOSE V is shown boarding. There's also a brief shot of two of the park's locomotives stopped on parallel stretches of track.
After another brief cut, the camera captures people riding the park's chair lift from below. The island's Maritime Monument--topped with the anchor of the steam barge CITY OF CLEVELAND (1882)--is also filmed. More close-ups of flowers follow. After that, several shots are devoted to showing people and boats in the park's marina. The park's train is captured passing on the shore from one shot taken from a pier. In the final portion of video, people are shown lining up and riding the Log Flume ride.
The film is spooled on a yellow plastic core, and housed within a grey plastic canister. A series of handwritten labels are affixed to the canister's lid. These read, "Aug 31 1-3," "Work Print with Taped Sections - Boblo Park," "On Lab Cores," "Dub F/T 1/17/95 159[?]," and "CC." The tail at the end of the film is marked, "Tail Fe[?] 4995 10-6-79, Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park, 'Title - Bob-Lo August 31 Roll 1-3.'"
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/C0FA3CCA-4AA2-427D-A1C2-730566326550
Silent color 16mm reel containing a workprint composed of footage shot for a Boblo Island promotional video. The scenes include the island's docks, the PAPOOSE IV, the STE. CLAIRE, the island's miniature railroad, the blockhouse and the Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse, the marina, the Sky Streak, Pee Wee and Lil' Charlie's Dolphin Show, the Log Flume, and the Scrambler.
The reel opens with a shot of the Detroit River and the Amherstberg riverfront as the passenger ferry PAPOOSE IV arrives at the island's dock. Next, the camera moves to the midway for a shot of people walking past with the Skydiver and souvenir stands in the background. A shot then follows of the park-side entrance to the dock. The canopy overhead is painted to demark lanes “To Detroit" and "To Amherstburg." Railroad crossing signs and the tracks of the miniature railroad are in the foreground.
The arrival of the Boblo passenger steamer STE. CLAIRE is the focus of the next sequence of shots. The boat's bow is the subject of the first show, as it approaches the dock. As the camera continues to roll, the STE. CLAIRE turns exposing its port side. While the boat is docking, the camera zooms in for shots of passengers waiting on the promenade while workers on the shore prepare to tie down the boat's lines. After a cut, the camera rolls alongside the boarding ramp as passengers step from the boat onto the island. A close-up of the boat's name follows. Next, new passengers boat the boat from the island.
In a much shorter sequence the camera then captures a quick shot of the ferry PAPOOSE IV approaching the docks, and then after a cut, the flow of people disembarking from the boat. This segment ends with a pan across the boat which comes to a rest on the ferry's pilothouse.
Then from the dock area, the camera catches the C.P. Huntington train ride passing. From an elevated position--possibly aboard the STE. CLAIRE at dock, the camera then rolls for an overhead view of the PAPOOSE IV as it disembarks, with the island's "Bob-Lo" sign on the shore in the background. Following a cut, the camera follows the PAPOOSE IV as it sets out into the Detroit River. Shots follow from the same vantage point of the "Bob-Lo" sign on the shore, and the Skydiver. Following a short gap in recording, the camera gets a shot of park visitors seated near the shore as a freighter passes.
The C.P. Huntington train is again the subject of several subsequent shots. First the camera pans from a shot of a railroad crossing signs and the three flags that fly over the shore to the approaching train. Then, in a pair of extended shots an out of service locomotive is filmed beneath a canopy, both head-on and in profile. The camera also zooms from the boats at the adjacent dock to the passenger cars of the nearby train.
Several shots of the landmarks near the southern tip of the island follow--the blockhouse and the Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse.
Boaters along the shore--including on group in a Chris-Craft--and people the island's beach are then the focus of a series of shots.
The film then returns to the amusement park attractions with shots of the Sky Streak rollercoaster, Pee Wee and Lil' Charlie's Dolphin Show and the audience gathered there.
An extended series of shots of the marina are next on the reel. Among these are shots of a duck in the water, and people in outboard motor boats.
The reel ends with another set of shots of the amusement park's attractions--the Log Flume, the picnic area, and the Scrambler (with the Ferris wheel and giant slide in the background).
The film is spooled on a yellow plastic core, and housed within a grey plastic canister. A series of handwritten labels are affixed to the canister’s lid. These read, "Aug 30 1-3," "Work Print with Taped Sections - Boblo Park," "On Lab Cores," "Dub F/T 1/17/95 1 9[?]," and "FR." The film's leader is labeled, "Boblo Island Amusement Park, Bob-Lo Aug 30 1979."
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/306ED8AC-F39D-4D2C-A719-520101065220
Silent color 35mm reel containing footage shot by Jack Goodford of General Television Associates for a Boblo Island promotional video. The footage shows several of the park's rides, and, in many shots, focuses on the experiences of a family. Many of the shots include multiple takes.
The reel begins with both the featured couple and family are shown walking with arms full of stuffed animals, and expressions that suggest the end of a day at the park. A partially visible clapboard during this sequence lists J. Goodford as director, B. Hirschenson as the camera operator, the year as 1981, and the roll number as 4.
The Boblo boat COLUMBIA and the shore then feature in several shots. First the COLUMBIA is shown approaching, then arriving at dock. At the dock the park's costumed bear, lion, rabbit, and duck mascots wave at the arriving passengers. The passengers are the shown stepping onto the island. Then a show captures the C. P. Huntington train ride passing in the foreground with the docked COLUMBIA in the background. The dock portion of the film ends with a shot of a sailboat off the island's shore is wedged between shots of the train.
Following a very quick shot of people with the mascots is a series of shots of the boy offering an ice cream cone to a llama. He is eventually joined by the girl. The pair is then filmed riding on the carousel's motorcycle-shaped seats.
The film then turns to the reoccurring couple. The woman is shown playing one of the carnival games and winning a stuffed animal.
Then, the boy of the reoccurring family is filmed walking hand in hand with the bear and the rabbit mascots.
After two brief shots of a couple under the tree, are a series of shots of the Satellite Jet ride. The couple shown eating hot dogs in film 2016.086.012 are among the riders.
The final shots on the reel are of the island's mascots waving, then being surrounded by people. The PAPOOSE is docked in the background.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "W.O. 32072 The II Boblo Dailies, Boat (animals Waving) Falling Star??"
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/2D425BF0-E1DF-4905-BA1A-160627240577
Silent color 35mm film reel containing footage shot for Boblo Island promotional purposes. The footage is composed of shots of children interacting with the park's mascot bear mascot, followed by shots of the Falling Star ride.
Reel ops with shots of the children and the costumed Boblo bear mascot beside the park's fountain. The lion mascot is visible in the background. A marker shown during this sequence is labeled, "Scene 105, Take 2; Prod. AFI #524; Dir/Cam Randall; Roll 6; 5-9-85." After several unslated takes, the clapboard reappears to announce Scene 105A, Take 1, a close-up of a girl who startles the bear in the scene.
The next shot on the reel is of the Falling Star ride in motion. The clapboard introduces this as "Scene 106, Take 1, Prod. AFI #524; Dir/Cam Randall; Roll 6; 5-9-85." The second take is a close-up with just the ride's gondola swinging through the frame.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "AAA-27, H.P. 2946 Doner, Bob-Lo, OCN. W.O.# 58652 5/10/85. A.F.I. Prod. #524, 'Boblo,' Orig. 5247 R#3 (Rolls 6+7). K69162 65258."
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/48F00231-C1F3-474A-9118-051979336780
Silent color 35mm film reel containing footage shot for Boblo Island promotional purposes. The footage features several shots of the roller coaster The Screamer, followed by a brief shot of children playing in the ball pit in the Fort Fun area.
After some brief initial shots, the camera captures a clapboard from the front seat of the Screamer, marked "Scene 101, Take 1; Prod. AFI #524; Dir/Cam Randall; Roll 1; 5-9-85." Footage follows shot from the front car of the roller coaster during a single ride around the tracks.
The crew then slates take one of Scene 101A, now with the camera turned around on a boy and girl riding together in one of the Screamer's cars. Five more takes follow.
After take six, the camera begins to capture shots of the passing roller coaster cars from the stairs at the top of its first hill, and from various points on the ground below. One of those shots is slated as "Scene 101D, Take 1."
The final portion of the film is devoted to a single shot of a group of children playing in Fort Fun's ball pit.
The film is on a yellow plastic core, housed inside of a white box labeled, "AAA-22, H.P. 2946 Doner, Boblo, OCN. W.O.# 58652 5/10/85, A.F.I. Prod.# 524, 'Boblo,' Orig. 5247 R#1 (Rolls 1-3). 1 66067, 70163."
President and CEO Elana Rugh will join Board Chairman John Decker and other Detroit Historical Society staff to kick off a year and a half of celebrations. Help us look back as we look forward to our next 100 years.
W/ Special Guests:
Poet, Actor, MC, Activist, Mike-E
mikeellison.me
Senior Director of Education & Programs, Detroit Historical Society, Malika Pryor
Tony Award Nominated Playwright, Forever Poet, Renaissance Woman, Dominique Morriseau
Executive Director, The Coleman A. Young Foundation, Khary Turner
World Renowned DJ, Good dude, Father, Carl "DJ Invisible" Hollier
#nationalpoetrymonth
Hosted by Joel Fluent Greene
#nationalpoetrymonth
W/ Special Guest Poet
Craig muMs Grant (NY, NY)
Hosted by Joel Fluent Green
#nationalpoetrymonth
Detroit History Heroes adheres to the Michigan Social Studies GLCEs (Grade Level Content expectations). This feature on Dudley Randall meets the following curriculum standards:
ELA
Grade 3-5: Reading Standards 7,9
Grade 6-8: Reading Standards 1,2, 7,9
Social Studies
Grade 5: P3.1.1
Get more information from the The Detroit Creativity Project's website: detroitcreativityproject.org
Detroit History Heroes adheres to the Michigan Social Studies GLCEs (Grade Level Content expectations). This feature on Gilda Radner meets the following curriculum standards:
Health: 4.3 Apply the use of positive self-talk to manage feelings; 4.4 Describe strategies to manage strong feelings, including anger; 4.12 Demonstrate how to communicate assertively.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/8EB4C060-DEDC-4020-BA44-989705441502
U-Matic S tape containing the first of two parts of footage of the June 11, 1990 press conference held by Mayor Coleman A. Young to announce plans for Nelson Mandela's visit to Detroit, scheduled for June 28th, 1990. The footage is continued on tape 2015.009.074.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/D740DDF7-C831-42A5-B930-119527297316
U-Matic S tape containing footage of a screen showing a live video feed of Nelson Mandela's arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on June 28, 1990, followed by direct footage of Mandela's brief speech inside the airport, including an introduction from Mayor Coleman A. Young.
The tape begins with the camera filming a projection screen set up inside the airport, showing a feed of the delegation waiting along a red carpet on the tarmac outside. The monitor then shows the Trump Shuttle airplane carrying Nelson Mandela taxing along the runways, and eventually to the red carpet where the boarding ramp is moved into place. Nelson and Winnie Mandela emerge from the plane at 6 minutes and 15 seconds into the video. The Mandelas take some time to greet the welcome party, which includes Mayor Coleman A. Young, Michigan First Lady Janet Blanchard, Governor James Blanchard, UAW President Owen Bieber, Transafrica's Margaret Baylor, Councilman Arthur Johnson, and Rosa Parks. The camera then follows activist and singer Harry Belafonte--who arrived among Mandela's entourage--as he also stops to shake several hands inside the airport terminal.
Following a cut, Belafonte is shown in person, talking to members of the press. The camera pans around as the dignitaries wait on stage for the program to begin.
The camera then returns to the projection screen as it shows Mandela approaching the stage. The camera returns to the live event as Nelson and Winnie Mandela then take the stage to applause. Mayor Coleman A. Young steps to the podium where he introduces Nelson Mandela.
Mandela proceeds to make a brief speech stating his love for Detroit, thanking several of the dignitaries, and recognizing them as his "comrades in arms... in the struggle against racial oppression." Afterward, the camera continues to roll as Mandela makes his way off stage through the crowd of dignitaries, before stopping once he disappears from view.
The recording is on a 3M UCA 30S U-Matic tape with a handwritten label on the front. The case is in a black plastic latching case with matching labels.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/CA2A202E-4F46-4AEE-BFC8-489542292787
U-Matic S tape containing footage shot at the reception for Nelson Mandela held at the Renaissance Center's Westin Hotel on June 28th, 1990, as the crowd awaits the arrival of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. The footage, including Mandela's actual appearance, is continued on tape 2015.009.051, and elements of both tapes are edited together onto tape 2015.009.084.
In a series of shots the camera crew travels about the ballroom to show the numerous guests in attendance as they converse, eat, and pose for photographs. After a cut, Arthur Johnson, chair of the event, appears at the podium to announce that he is not sure when exactly Mandela will arrive, eliciting laughter from the crowd. He continues, explaining Mandela's itinerary ahead of the Amandla Mandela Detroit '90 rally at Tiger Stadium that night. He reassures those in attendance that they will be bused to the rally. After another cut, Johnson again is shown at the podium where he announces that Mandela will be appearing at the reception in twenty minutes.
Next, following another cut, the camera finds John Salley and Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons in the crowd. Salley signs autographs, while Thomas converses with several people.
After another cut, a man at a podium in another conference room explains the strict level of security to group of young people who were invited to take part. He also explains the meaning the chants of "amandla" (Nguni for "power") that have become part of the Mandela freedom events, and practices chanting it with the crowd.
Next, the camera moves to a separate meeting area for Winnie Mandela. A "Winnie Mandela" banner is hung behind the podium, a "Molo Winnie" banner is on a side wall, and the crowd predominately consists of women. A woman from Mandela's advance team appears at the podium to explain to the crowd how they will exit to be buses to the rally. As she talks, the camera gets shots of several members of the crowd including former City Councilwoman Erma Henderson, and Representative John Conyers.
Next, a group is shown chanting and dancing while holding an African National Congress flag in the hotel's Cadillac Ballroom. The camera crew then moves out into the hotel's walkways for a shot of the dancers through the room's doors, and of people waiting outside the rooms. Next, the camera moves into one of the rooms for further footage of people talking and waiting. A banner hung on the wall reads, "Detroit Welcomes Mandela and the African Nat'l Congress. Aluta Continua. Ella Baker, Nelson Mandela Center for Anti-Racist Education." The camera crew then finds Nicholas Hood sitting down by himself on a small platform. He jokes with the camera person.
After another cut, for the tape's final shot, the camera is out on the walkway, outside of the Cadillac ballroom where people are again singing and dancing with an ANC flag.
The recordings are on a 3M UCA 30S U-Matic S tape with the title handwritten directly on the tape's shell. The cassette is housed within a black plastic latching UCA 3M 30S U-Matic case with a handwritten 3M label on the front.
detroithistorical.pastperfectonline.com/archive/9AAC2FA3-62B1-465A-9ED5-178042112888
U-Matic S tape containing both footage of a choir performing at an unidentified church, followed by Nelson Mandela's appearance at the reception held in his honor at the Renaissance Center's Westin Hotel on June 28th, 1990. The footage from Mandela's event is continued from tape 2015.009.077, and elements of both tapes are edited together onto tape 2015.009.084.
The tape begins with the church choir performing accompanied by an organ. In a series of short shots the camera films a series of close-ups featuring a member of the choir, the organist, the church's altar, and candles. Five members of the choir then stand in front of the altar and perform the hymn "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." This portion of the tape ends after camera gets a brief close-up of the organist's face as she plays the same hymn again.
About eight minutes into the tape, the footage from Mandela's reception begins with a zoom on Nelson Mandela as he and his entourage make their way through the Westin Hotel's walk ways past crowds. The camera then moves inside of the ballroom, as Mandela and his security detail enters. Nearby members of the crowd can be overheard conversing about having difficultly seeing through the all of the people.
After another cut, Nelson Mandela is now on stage, where Detroit Pistons player John Salley gives him a hug, and presents both him and Winnie Mandela with a Pistons jacket and cap. With Salley's help, Nelson Mandela dons the cap and jacket. Meanwhile Arthur Johnson addresses the crowd--mentioning Mayor Coleman A. Young's role in hosting the weekly planning meetings at the Manoogian Mansion for this event. As Young steps to the podium a member of the crowd can be heard saying, in reference to the Pistons, "threepeat!" Young gives Mandela a very brief introduction. Mandela then speaks briefly on his appreciation and love for Detroit for its support of South Africa's struggle against Apartheid. He then apologizes that he cannot stay longer, as he is expected at Tiger Stadium for the Nelson Amandla Mandela Detroit '90 rally. The recording ends as Mandela begins to leave the stage.
The recording is on a 3M UCA 30s U-Matic Tape with "Mandela 3" written on the top in blue pen. The cassette is housed within a black plastic latching U-Matic tape case with a handwritten 3M VHS label on its cover.
Join us on April 10th for a photo walk with Amy and Val at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle! For more information and to register for the event:
http://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/events-calendar/events-listing/photo-walk-amy-sacka-and-val-waller
Visit the Ruth Ellis Center at http://ruthelliscenter.org
For more information on terminology and language visit http://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms
Support for this series was provided by Heather Rivard.
Detroit History Heroes adheres to the Michigan Social Studies GLCEs (Grade Level Content expectations). This feature on Ruth Ellis meets the following curriculum standards:
History: H3.0.6 and H3.0.7
Geography: G4.0.2
Public Discourse and Civics: P3.1.1, P4.2.1, P4.2.2
Civics and Government: C5.0.3
Join us for a virtual panel discussion and special viewing of the 15-minute film short King Blvd., which will set the set stage for the discussion.
Our ZOOM event panel features:
∙ Earl Hardy, writer and producer of King Blvd. In his travels, Hardy noticed that MLK Streets were often located in blighted neighborhoods and wanted to know why and what could be done to revitalize those areas. This investigation led the Detroit native to write and produce King Blvd.
∙ Dr. Derek Alderman, cultural geographer and professor at the University of Tennessee. He has studied and written about streets named after MLK since the early 1990s. Dr. Alderman’s specialties include race, public memory, symbolic landscapes, heritage tourism and critical place-name study.
∙ Jamon Jordan, local historian, educator and founder of The Black Scroll Network, History & Tours. He established the tour company after twenty years as a public school teacher who observed the scarcity of African American history in school curriculums and decided to do something about it.
Learn more about how her life dedicated to activism evolved - from protesting rat infested housing in Chicago, to helping organize Detroit's 1963 March for Freedom with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and helping create community-based projects in Detroit.
Most importantly, learn how her life can give us an important lesson - how change can start in a small, but meaningful way. Watch now!
Support for this series was provided by Heather Rivard.
In the first installment, Manager of Education Programs Bree Boettner discusses the topic of accessibility.
Panelists: Dan Wallace, Director, Special Projects, New American Economy; Vicky Wilkins, Dean, The School of Public Affairs at American University; Gracie Xavier, Director, Corporate and Economic Development Strategy at Global Detroit; Phyllis A. Noda, Ed.D., President, International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit; Philippa P.B. Hughes, Social Sculptor + Creative Strategist, CuriosityConnects.us.
On the season finale for Pint-Sized Prohibition, Kayla and Dean talk queer icons in the city, Madonna, and how to stir a drink properly.
Keep up with the Detroit Historical Society at
http://detroithistorical.org
facebook.com/DetroitHistoricalSociety
twitter.com/DHSDetroit
instagram.com/detroithistorical
Watch to the end for an authentic 18th century drink recipe and a traditional tourtiere meat pie that you can make at home! 🥃🥧
Keep up with the Detroit Historical Society at
http://detroithistorical.org
facebook.com/DetroitHistoricalSociety
twitter.com/DHSDetroit
instagram.com/detroithistorical
Our next episode on July 24 will be a very special tribute to Detroit's birthday! Tune in for a deep dive on the city's founder and an authentic 18th century cocktail.
Keep up with the Detroit Historical Society at
http://detroithistorical.org
facebook.com/DetroitHistoricalSociety
twitter.com/DHSDetroit
instagram.com/detroithistorical