The Ford Twin Ponds and winter

In 1964 Ivadel wrote about Dearborn in the early 1900's:

The brick yard ponds, or Twin Lakes as they are known today, were the scene of ice skating parties and festivities in the early 1900s. The lakes in front of the Ford Engineering laboratories were the result of the Anthony Wagner and Son Brick Company’s digging activities. Brick making flourished in Dearborn because of the presence of beds of blue clay free from lime, not found in any extent in other parts of Wayne County.

On winter days and evenings the ponds were a scene of happy skaters. Fathers and mothers brought their children and experienced skaters practiced for the contests that were held each year. The First Annual Winter Sports Day was held January 1, 1925. The Newspaper carried this story at that time.

Governor Groesbeck expressed himself concerning such events as follows: “I can’t conceive of anything more conducive to the growth of a healthy community life than such an event as this. There is a real tonic for health and vigor in skating and the mixing and mingling of people, both old and young in social intercourse at the carnival is complimentary to the civic activities of Dearborn.”

There were speed races, half mile races for girls, mile races for boys and a Dearborn business men’s race that attracted a great deal of attention. Charles Buckenberger won this business men’s race in 1925 but he had won many roller skating races previously, and in 1889 he won the state championship on ice.

Another wintertime sport was coasting. My brothers and I had two wooden sleds about four feet long, eight inches high and had iron runners. There was no way to steer, except by body movements. We often lay flat on our stomachs for the run down the hill and sometimes one lay on the front sled, another on the one following with another smaller child riding piggy back. The second rider held the first sled by the runner and could steer the trailer-like combination.

We spent many happy hours on the hill on the south side of the Rouge just west of Military, but the Long hill [family named Long] was our favorite because it was higher. We often rode down to the river, then climbed the hill again for another ride down with the crisp wintry air blowing in our faces.

Sleigh ride parties were often held by groups when the snow came. We rented a team, rode into the country, then returned to someone’s home for refreshments and games. Sometimes we were very cold but our young spirits made the experience a well remembered one of teenage romance.

Many of the community’s activities took place in the church. Christmas was one of these times. The children learned songs, pieces and sometimes a short play or pantomime. The tree that was usually out on the Haigh farm was set up in the chancel. It was decorated with the usual tinsel and balls but gifts for each of us also hung from the branches. I shall never forget the lighting of the real candles. Men with long sticks with a taper on the end lighted them and oh, how beautiful the tree was.

The air was filled with excitement throughout the program and we could hardly wait for the time when the presents would be passed out. At last Santa handed us our book, game or doll and another Christmas tree had given us a happy time.