1956 in Michigan

none 1956 1956 Events from the year 1956 in Michigan. The major stories of 1956 in Michigan included: (1) tornado outbreaks that struck western Michigan on April 2 and central and eastern Michigan on May 12; (2) the November 6 elections in which Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower won Michigan's 20 electoral votes while Democrat G. Mennen Williams won re-election to a fifth term as Governor of Michigan; and (3) a slowdown in automobile production after reaching record levels in 1955. 3 Top stories The Associated PressDeath-Bearing Twister Top State News Story of 1956 The Lansing State Journal January 1, 1957 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37157325/deathbearing_twister_top_state_news/ Newspapers.com and Detroit Free PressTop Stories Detroit Free Press December 30, 1956 21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12667632/top_stories/ Newspapers.com each ranked Michigan's top news stories of 1956 as follows: The April 2 western Michigan tornado outbreak that killed 19 persons (AP#1) The November 6 elections in which Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower won Michigan's 20 electoral votes while Democrat G. Mennen Williams defeated Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo for a fifth term as Governor of Michigan (AP#2, DFP#5) The October 4 collapse of office building under construction for Consumers Power in Jackson, Michigan, resulting in the deaths of 10 workers (AP#3) The May 12 tornado outbreak in Flint and metropolitan Detroit that killed six persons and destroyed more than 100 homes (AP#4) The July 16 sale of the Detroit Tigers by the Walter Briggs Sr. estate to a group led by Fred Knorr and including John Fetzer (AP#5; DFP#4) A slowdown in automobile production and rise in unemployment to near-record levels (AP#6) The hunting season in which a 14-year-old hunter survived five days in the cold and an African-American hunter killed a farmer in Newaygo County (AP#7) The disappearance of Anna Thorpe with $80,000 in funds embezzled from the State of Michigan (AP#7) A strike by dairy farmers that turned violent (AP#8) The November 19 death of two Michigan State Police officers in a shootout with a retired postal worker near Flint (AP#9) One-man grand juries established to investigate alleged corruption in Ecorse, Warren, and other communities in metropolitan Detroit. (AP#10; DFP#1) The Hermiz murder case and trial that resulted in verdict on July 19 of guilty against Maurice Hamilton and innocent due to insanity as to Victoria Hermiz (DFP#1) The defeat of a diphtheria outbreak (DFP#3) Office holders State office holders right|135px|thumb|Gov. G. Mennen Williams Governor of Michigan: G. Mennen Williams (Democrat) Lieutenant Governor of Michigan: Philip Hart (Democrat) Michigan Attorney General: Thomas M. Kavanagh (Democrat) Michigan Secretary of State: James M. Hare (Democrat) Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives: Wade Van Valkenburg (Republican) Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court: John R. Dethmers Mayors of major cities right|thumb|140px|Patrick V. McNamara right|thumb|140px|Martha Griffiths Mayor of Detroit: Albert Cobo (Republican) Mayor of Grand Rapids: George Veldman/Paul G. Goebel Mayor of Flint: George M. Algoe Mayor of Saginaw: Maurice E. Brown Mayor of Dearborn: Orville L. Hubbard Mayor of Lansing: Ralph Crego Mayor of Ann Arbor: William E. Brown Jr. Federal office holders U.S. Senator from Michigan: Patrick V. McNamara (Democrat) U.S. Senator from Michigan: Charles E. Potter (Republican) House District 1: Thaddeus M. Machrowicz (Democrat) House District 2: George Meader (Republican) House District 3: August E. Johansen (Republican) House District 4: Clare Hoffman (Republican) House District 5: Gerald Ford (Republican) House District 6: Donald Hayworth (Democrat) House District 7: Jesse P. Wolcott (Republican) House District 8: Alvin Morell Bentley (Republican) House District 9: Ruth Thompson (Republican) House District 10: Elford Albin Cederberg (Republican) House District 11: Victor A. Knox (Republican) House District 12: John B. Bennett (Republican) House District 13: Charles Diggs (Democrat) House District 14: Louis C. Rabaut (Democrat) House District 15: John Dingell Jr. (Democrat) House District 16: John Lesinski Jr. (Democrat) House District 17: Martha Griffiths (Democrat) House District 18: George Anthony Dondero (Republican) Population Sports Baseball thumb|right|135px|Harvey Kuenn 1956 Detroit Tigers season – Under manager Bucky Harris, the Tigers compiled an 82–72 record and finished in fifth place in the American League. The team's statistical leaders included Harvey Kuenn with a .332 batting average, Charlie Maxwell with 28 home runs, Al Kaline with 128 RBIs, and Frank Lary with 21 wins and a 3.15 earned run average.1956 Detroit Tigers Statistics Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com July 25, 2017 https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1956.shtml Kuenn led the American League with 196 hits and finished fourth in the voting for the American League Most Valuable Player Award.Harvey Kuenn Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com July 25, 2017 https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kuennha01.shtml 1956 Michigan Wolverines baseball team - Under head coach Ray Fisher, the Wolverines compiled a 17–9 record.2012 University of Michigan Baseball Record Book University of Michigan 2012 August 9, 2017 22, 71 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/bsb-recordbook-2012.pdf March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120456/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/bsb-recordbook-2012.pdf dead Moby Benedict was the team captain.2012 Record Book, p. 13. American football 1956 Detroit Lions season – After finishing in last place in 1955, the Lions, under head coach Buddy Parker, compiled a 9–3 record and finished in second place in the NFL Western Conference. The team's statistical leaders included Bobby Layne with 1,909 passing yards and 99 points scored (five touchdowns, 33 extra points, and 12 field goals), Gene Gedman with 479 rushing yards, and Dave Middleton with 606 receiving yards.1956 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 17, 2017 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1956.htm 1956 Michigan Wolverines football team – Under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan, the Wolverines compiled a 7-2 record, outscored opponents 233 to 123, finished in second place in the Big Ten Conference, and were ranked No. 7 in the final 1956 AP poll. End Ron Kramer was selected as a consensus All-American.1956 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library July 25, 2017 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1956fbt.htm The team's statistical leaders included Bob Ptacek with 245 passing yards, Jim Pace with 498 rushing yards, Kramer with 353 receiving yards, and Terry Barr and John Herrnstein, each with 42 points scored.1956 Michigan Wolverines Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 26, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1956.html 1956 Michigan State Spartans football team – Under head coach Duffy Daugherty, the Spartans compiled a 7–2 record and were ranked No. 9 in the final AP Poll. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Pat Wilson with 414 passing yards, Dennis Mendyk with 495 rushing yards, and Tony Kolodziej with 221 receiving yards.1956 Michigan State Spartans Stats Sports Reference LLC July 25, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1956.html 1956 Central Michigan Chippewas football team – Under head coach Kenneth "Bill" Kelly, the Chippewas compiled a perfect 9–0 record, won the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) championship for the fifth consecutive year, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 313 to 92.Central Michigan 2015 Football Media Guide Central Michigan University July 25, 2017 100, 110 2015 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/cmu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/2015-Football-Media-Guide.pdf October 26, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161026171041/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/cmu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/2015-Football-Media-Guide.pdf dead The 1956 season was part of the longest winning streak in school history, 15 games running from October 8, 1955, to November 10, 1956.2015 Media Guide, p. 85. 1956 Eastern Michigan Hurons football team – Under head coach Fred Trosko, the Hurons compiled a 4–4 record.2014 Digital Media Guide: Eastern Michigan University Eastern Michigan University Football June 29, 2016 169, 176 http://www.emueagles.com/custompages/football/2014/2014EMUFBGuide.pdf 1956 Western Michigan Broncos football team – Under head coach Jack Petoskey, the Broncos compiled a 2–7 record.Football Records: Annual Results Western Michigan University July 25, 2017 http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=204948424 1956 Detroit Titans football team – The Titans compiled a 2–8 record under head coach Wally Fromhart.1956 Detroit Mercy Titans Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 25, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/detroit-mercy/1956-schedule.html Basketball 1955–56 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team – Under head coach Forddy Anderson, the Spartans compiled a 13–9 record. Julius McCoy led the team with an average of 27.3 points per game.1955-56 Michigan State Spartans Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/CBB July 25, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan-state/1956.html 1955–56 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team – Under head coach William Perigo, the Wolverines compiled a 9–13 record.1955–56 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/CBB July 25, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan/1956-schedule.html Ron Kramer was the team's leading scorer with 448 points in 22 games for an average of 20.3 points per game.University of Michigan Basketball Record Book University of Michigan 31 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/bkm-through-the-years.pdf 2017-07-25 2018-10-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20181026080859/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/bkm-through-the-years.pdf dead 1955–56 Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball team – Under head coach Joseph Hoy, the Broncos compiled a 12–10 record.1955–56 Western Michigan Broncos Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/CBB July 25, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/western-michigan/1956-schedule.html 1955–56 Detroit Titans men's basketball team – The Titans compiled a 13–12 record under head coach Bob Calihan.1955–56 Detroit Titans Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/CBB July 25, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/detroit-mercy/1956-schedule.html Ice hockey 1955–56 Detroit Red Wings season – Under head coach Jimmy Skinner, the Red Wings compiled a 30–24–16 record. Gordie Howe led the team with 38 goals, 41 assists, and 79 points. The team's goaltender was Glenn Hall.1955–56 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics Sports Reference LLC Hockey-Reference.com July 25, 2017 https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1956.html Ice hockey at the 1956 Winter Olympics - In the Olympic ice hockey tournament held at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from January 26 to February 4, Team USA won the silver medal. Three current or former University of Michigan players were members of Team USA: goaltender Willard Ikola, John Matchefts, and Robert White. In an upset victory over Team Canada, Ikola stopped 47 shots and was called "the individual standout" in the game.Ex-Wolverine Ikola Stars in Nets: Yank Sextet Stuns Canada, 4-1 Detroit Free Press February 1, 1956 23 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12676805/exwolverine_ikola_stars_in_nets_yank/ Newspapers.com 1955–56 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey season – Under head coach Vic Heyliger, the Wolverines compiled a 20–2–1 record and won the 1956 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. They then defeated Michigan Tech by a 7–5 score in the championship game. The 1956 championship was Michigan's sixth NCAA hockey championship in nine years.College Hockey News July 25, 2017 Michigan Team History http://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/teamHistory/Michigan/31 Goalie Lorne Howes was selected as the team's Most Valuable Player and was also named Most Valuable Player in the 1956 NCAA Tournament. Team captain Bill MacFarland was the team's leading scorer with 19 goals, 28 assists, and 47 total points in 23 games. Howes, MacFarland, and defenseman Bob Schiller were all named to the All-American college hockey team.Another NCAA Championship: Hockey Team Wins Sixth National Crown In The Last Nine Years The Michigan Alumnus April 14, 1956 304 https://books.google.com/books?id=XRhYAAAAMAAJ 1955–56 Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey team – Under head coach Al Renfrew, Michigan Tech compiled a 21–7 record and lost to Michigan in the 1956 NCAA championship game.College Hockey News July 25, 2017 Michigan Tech Team History http://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/teamHistory/Michigan-Tech/33 1955–56 Michigan State Spartans men's ice hockey team – Under head coach Amo Bessone, the Spartans compiled a 5–18 record.College Hockey News July 25, 2017 Michigan State Team History http://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/teamHistory/Michigan-State/32 1956 Olympics right|thumb|140px|Dick Hanley of the University of Michigan A contingent of 18 Michiganders competed for the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympics.18 Michiganders Posed for Games Detroit Free Press November 22, 1956 33–34 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12670948/18_michiganders_poised_for_games/ Newspapers.com A total 11 athletes with ties to Michigan won medals as follows: Kurt Seiffert from Rochester, Michigan won a gold medal as the coxswain for the winning pair in the coxed pairs rowing competition.U.S. Sweep of Games Goes On Detroit Free Press November 28, 1956 26 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12671250/u_s_sweep_of_games_goes_on/ Newspapers.com Ira Murchison, a Western Michigan College student, won a gold medal in the men's 4 x 100 meters relay.Murchison, Ex-Bronco, Wins Medal Detroit Free Press December 2, 1956 15F https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12671402/murchison_exbronco_wins_medal/ Newspapers.com Gary Tobian, a Californian who was born in Detroit, won the silver medal in the men's 10 meter platform diving competition. Jeanne Stunyo of the Detroit Athletic Club won the silver medal in the women's 3 meter springboard diving competition. Stunyo's Detroit Athletic Club teammate Barbara Sue Gilders finished fourth in the same event.Olympic Divers Save U. S. Lead Detroit Free Press December 5, 1956 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12671604/olympic_divers_save_us_lead/ Newspapers.com Dick Hanley of the University of Michigan received a silver medal for swimming the lead leg in the 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay. Hanley went on in 1957 to set the world record in the 200 metres freestyle event. A Detroit Boat Club team of John Welchli, James McIntosh, Art McKinlay, and John McKinlay won silver medals in the coxless fours. Pat Costello of Birmingham, Michigan, and Jim Gardiner of Detroit won silver medals in the men's double sculls rowing event. Boat racing Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race – The Gypsy from Milwaukee won in the Class A division on July 16 with a time of 49 hours, 51 minutes, and eight seconds. The sloops Revelry and Glory Bea won Classes B and D.Only Local Yacht In Race To Mackinac Finishes Today Port Huron Times Herald July 17, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12672278/only_local_yacht_in_race_to_mackinac/ Newspapers.com APBA Gold Cup – Bill Muncey, driving Miss Thriftway out of Seattle, won the Gold Cup race on the waters of the Detroit River on September 1. However, race officials disqualified Muncey on grounds that he had hit and damaged a buoy. Officials then awarded the victory to Miss Pepsi, a Detroit boat that finished in second place. The owners of Miss Thriftway protested, doubts arose as the veracity of the official who claimed Muncey had hit a buoy, and no trophy was awarded on the day of the race.Nobody Wins Tear-Filled Gold Cup: 16-Man Board To Weigh Protests Detroit Free Press September 2, 1956 23 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12675352/nobody_wins_tearfilled_gold_cup/ Newspapers.comFilms Fail to Settle Dispute in Gold Cup Detroit Free Press September 3, 1956 13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12675444/films_fail_to_settle_dispute_in_gold_cup/ Newspapers.com After a 55-day dispute, including a legal challenge by Horace Dodge, the Inboard Racing Commission of the American Power Boat Association on October 25 sustained the protest by the owner of Miss Thriftway and reversed the disqualification, giving Muncey the Gold Cup for 1956.Protest Thrown Out; Thriftway Wins Cup Detroit Free Press October 26, 1956 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12675685/protest_thrown_out_thriftway_wins_cup/ Golf Michigan Open – Pete Cooper won the championship on July 1 at Detroit's Indianwood Country Club. Cooper set a course record with a round of 66.State Open To Cooper Lansing State Journal July 2, 1956 24 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12672092/state_open_to_cooper/ Newspapers.com Motor City Open - Bob Rosburg won the tournament at the Western Golf Club after a one-hole playoff with Ed Furgol on September 2.Rosburg Takes Motor City Open in Playoff Detroit Free Press September 3, 1956 13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12675856/rosburg_takes_motor_city_open_in_playoff/ Newspapers.com Chronology of events January January - Ford Motor issued 10,200,000 shares of its stock in the company's first public offering. January 1 - Michigan State defeated UCLA, 17-14, in the 1956 Rose Bowl. Dave Kaiser of Michigan State kicked a game-winning field goal with seven seconds left in the game.Spartans Nip UCLA In Last 7 Seconds The Detroit Reporter January 3, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12660066/spartans_nip_ucla_in_last_7_seconds/ Newspapers.com January 17 - A newspaper strike that closed The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, and Detroit Times ended after 46 days.Presses Rolling at 3 Papers Detroit Free Press January 17, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12491922/presses_rolling_at_3_papers_its_back/ Newspapers.com February March March 2 - Anna Thorpe, the manager of a Michigan Secretary of State branch office in St. Clair Shores, her husband Floyd, and daughter Kathleen fled the state on a flight from Windsor to Mexico City. An audit found that she had embezzled $74,841 in automobile license fees. The actual amount was later determined to be slightly over $80,000 (US 80,000 1956 eq). She sent a letter claiming that pressure to make political patronage contributions forced her to embezzle funds.Missing State License Agent Found $75,000 Shy: Husband and Child Also Vanish Detroit Free Press March 8, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12684370/missing_state_license_agent_found/ Newspapers.comMrs. Thorpe 'Explains' Her State Theft Detroit Free Press March 31, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12684571/mrs_thorpe_explains_her_state_theft/ Newspapers.com The Thorpes were ultimately captured in Corpus Christi, Texas, on June 4, 1957. They had spent nearly a year in Mazatlán where they had purchased a hotel and bar for $65,000.Thorpes Seized By FBI Detroit Free Press June 5, 1957 1, 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7223364/page_1_detroit_free_press_5_june_1957/ Newspapers.com On August 5, 1957, Anna pled guilty to embezzlement and her husband pled guilty to aiding and abetting. The Thorpes also assigned to the state their interest in the Mazatlan hotel and bar that was purchased with the embezzled funds as well as their house in Warren.Thorpes' Theft Plea Is 'Guilty' Detroit Free Press August 6, 1957 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12685110/thorpes_theft_plea_is_guilty/ Newspapers.com They were each sentenced to seven to ten years in prison,Thorpes Get 7 to 10 Years For Embezzling State Fees: Couple Stunned By Sentence Detroit Free Press October 1, 1957 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12685193/thorpes_get_7_to_10_years_for/ Newspapers.com but both were released on parole in December 1961.Thorpes Free, Start New Life Detroit Free Press December 22, 1961 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12692030/thorpes_free_start_new_life/ Newspapers.com April April 2 - Alfred P. Sloan, at age 80, resigned as the chairman of the board of General Motors (GM). Sloan had been chairman since 1937 and was the company's president from 1923 to 1946. Albert Bradley was selected as the company' new chairman. Bradley had been with GM since 1919, a member of the board of directors since 1933, and an executive vice president since 1942.Alfred P. Sloan Retires As GM Board Chairman Detroit Free Press April 3, 1956 1, 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12663658/alfred_p_sloan_retires_as_gm_board/ Newspapers.com April 3 - The April 1956 tornado outbreak struck western Michigan, killing 19 persons, leveling the Saugatuck lighthouse and causing extensive devastation to Hudsonville, Standale and suburban areas of Grand Rapids.Western Michigan Tornadoes Cut Wide Path of Destruction Lansing State Journal April 4, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664025/western_michigan_tornadoes_cut_wide/ Newspapers.comTornado Rips W. Mich.: Grand Rapids Area Hardest Hit The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan) April 4, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664088/18_dead_2000_homeless_tornado_rips/ Newspapers.com April 8 - Detroit's streetcars ceased operating and were replaced by new "cream and green" buses. Streetcars had been operating along Woodward Avenue since 1863. The city sold its streetcars to Mexico City.Detroiters Say Goodby To Streetcars Detroit Free Press April 8, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12663762/detroiters_say_goodby_to_streetcars/ Newspapers.comDetroiters Bid Streetcars Goodby Detroit Free Press April 9, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12663912/detroiters_bid_trolleys_goodby/ Newspapers.com The Detroit Free Press reported at the time that a 30% difference in the operating costs of streetcars and buses was the main reason for the decision to discontinue the use of streetcars. May May 7 - Detroit Free Press executive editor Lee Hills won a Pulitzer Prize for the top local reporting of 1955 for his coverage of the UAW's negotiations with Ford and General Motors for supplemental unemployment pay, the so-called guaranteed annual wage (GAW). Hill's coverage appeared in the newspaper for more than three weeks in June 1955 under the title "A Look Behind the UAW-Auto Curtain".Free Press Wins 4th Pulitzer Prize: Lee Hills Gets Writing Award; Executive Editor Cited For Reporting on GAW Detroit Free Press May 8, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664235/free_press_wins_4th_pulitzer_prize_lee/ Newspapers.com May 12 - A group of 19 tornadoes struck a 300-mile-wide area in central and eastern Michigan, including the communities of Flint (five dead, 75 hospitalized, 75 buildings destroyed), Ithaca (one dead, four injured), Lincoln Park (12 hospitalized, 40 homes and a church flattened), South Lyon (four hospitalized, three houses destroyed), and Allen Park (a drive-in restaurant destroyed).Tornados Rake State: At Least 6 Die and 100 Jam Hospitals; 100 Homes Flattened; Flint Worst Off Detroit Free Press May 13, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664415/tornados_rake_state_at_least_6_die_and/ Newspapers.com June July 18 - After deliberating for 12 hours, a Detroit Recorder's Court jury of nine women and three men returned verdicts in the murder trial of Victoria Hermiz, a 24-year-old Assyrian immigrant from Iraq, and her paramour Maurice Hamilton, also an Assyrian immigrant. The pair was charged with the February 10 killing of Mrs. Hermiz's husband, 38-year-old grocer Aziz Hermiz. The husband was stabbed three times, once in the heart, in the couple's Detroit apartment. Hamilton was found guilty of first degree murder, and Mrs. Hermiz was found innocent by reason of insanity.Jury Finds Mrs. Hermiz Insane: Hamilton Guilty in Slaying Detroit Free Press July 19, 1956 1, 4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664618/jury_finds_mrs_hermiz_insane_hamilton/ Newspapers.com The trial had drawn extensive press coverage for 5 1 2 weeks since it began on June 6.Love Slaying Drama Opens Detroit Free Press June 7, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664775/love_slaying_drama_opens/ Newspapers.com At one point, Hamilton leapt to his feet during testimony by Mrs. Hermiz's brother and shouted that he was innocent and that Mrs. Hermiz's brother was the killer, then cried out for his mother who was in the courtroom.Outburst Ruffles Death Trial Detroit Free Press June 12, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664753/outburst_ruffles_death_trial/ Newspapers.com Mrs. Hermiz stood up three times to tell the jury that Hamilton was innocent, because she had planned the murder. Mrs. Hermiz was committed to the Ionia State Hospital for the Criminally Insane,Long Road Ends For Mrs. Hermiz: Ionia Gates Shut on Victoria; Hamilton Unlikely to Appeal Detroit Free Press July 21, 1956 4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664670/long_road_ends_for_mrs_hermiz_ionia/ Newspapers.com but was released after 18 months.'Arabian Nights' Sequel: Victoria Now a Citizen Detroit Free Press October 20, 1964 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664919/arabian_nights_sequel_victoria_now_a/ Newspapers.com Hamilton was later granted a new trial; the second trial in 1960 again resulted in a guilty verdict.Hamilton Found Guilty Again: Slayer of Grocer Gets Life Detroit Free Press November 2, 1960 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664817/hamilton_found_guilty_again_slayer_of/ Newspapers.com After a second appeal, Hamilton was permitted to plead guilty to manslaughter on grounds that he had already served 11 years, was 18 years old at the time of the killing, and had been "under the spell or control" of an older woman.Weird Iraq Slaying Case Near End Detroit Free Press December 13, 1967 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664855/weird_iraq_slaying_case_near_end/ Newspapers.com Hamilton was freed in December 1967 and deported to India.Lifer Freed, Then Sent To India Detroit Free Press December 20, 1967 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664872/lifer_freed_then_sent_to_inda/ Newspapers.com July July–September - A newspaper and grand jury investigation into widespread graft in Ecorse, a city downriver from Detroit led by Mayor William W. Voisine, captured headlines in Detroit.Voisine Smothers Ecorse Explosion Detroit Free Press July 25, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694954/voisine_smothers_ecorse_explosion/ Newspapers.comEcorse Grand Jury Asked After Confession of Graft Detroit Free Press July 31, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694311/ecorse_grand_jury_asked_after/ Newspapers.com25 Aides of Voisine Took Graft Payoffs Detroit Free Press August 1, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694240/ecorse_25_aides_of_voisine_took_graft/ Newspapers.comGrand Jury Asks Gambler About Ecorse Graft Detroit Free Press August 2, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694614/grand_jury_asks_gambler_about_ecorse/ Newspapers.comGrand Jury Opens Probe of Ecorse Voting Detroit Free Press September 11, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694805/grand_jury_opens_probe_of_ecorse_voting/ Newspapers.com The investigation also turned up evidence voter rolls had been selectively purged of those who had supported Voisine's opponent,Foes of Voisine Lost Their Vote Detroit Free Press September 18, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694725/foes_of_voisine_lost_their_vote/ Newspapers.com and that 600 votes in the 1955 Ecorse mayoral election were "purchased, imported or forged," casting doubt on Voisine's victory by a margin of less than 600 votes.Even Dead Vote In Ecorse Detroit Free Press September 9, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694550/even_dead_vote_in_ecorse/ Newspapers.com Voisine and 17 of his associates were indicted on graft charges on September 28.Gambling Czar To Testify Against Voisine, Gillman at Trial Detroit Free Press September 29, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12694437/gambling_czar_to_testify_against/ Newspapers.com July 9 - Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 304 lost a propeller over Flat Rock, Michigan, and the metal shaft sliced through the passenger cabin, killing one passenger and injuring four others and a flight attendant. The aircraft diverted to Windsor, Ontario, where the pilots made an emergency landing.Wild Prop Rips Transport in Air: Woman Killed; 5 Injured Detroit Free Press July 10, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664459/wild_prop_rips_transport_in_air_woman/ Newspapers.com July 16 - The Detroit Tigers were purchased from the Briggs estate for $5.5 million (US 5,500,000 1956 eq) by a group led by Fred Knorr and which included John Fetzer.Tigers OK 5.5 Million Bid By Knorr Syndicate: Board Accepts Highest Offer Detroit Free Press July 17, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12664483/tigers_ok_55_million_bid_by_knorr/ Newspapers.com August August 4 - Curtiss-Wright acquired Studebaker-Packard's assets for $35 million (US 35,000,000 1956 eq). The agreement provided for Studebaker-Packard's automobile manufacturing to be concentrated in South Bend, Indiana.Details of S-P Deal Revealed Detroit Free Press August 5, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12632891/details_of_sp_deal_revealed/ Newspapers.com Studebaker-Packard had losses totaling $35.5 million in the first half of 1956. With the merger, the Packard Automotive Plant on East Grand Boulevard was closed, and the Packard Division was shut down.S-P Trims Losses to 14 Millions Detroit Free Press December 1, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12638206/sp_trims_losses_to_14_millions/ Newspapers.com The Detroit Free Press wrote: "The venerable name of Packard was being erased from Detroit Wednesday. After 56 years in business at 1580 E. Grand Blvd., a relative handful of employees remained after executive and office personnel had lined up for their termination pay."Packard Motors Hits End of Road in Detroit Detroit Free Press August 16, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12633227/packard_motors_hits_end_of_road_in/ Newspapers.com The Packard plant later became a symbol of urban decay. August 7 - Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo was selected by primary voters as the Republican nominee for Governor of Michigan.GOP Nominates Cobo Detroit Free Press August 8, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12633520/gop_nominates_cobo/ Newspapers.com September September 3 - Adlai Stevenson marched with 75,000 Detroiters in the city's annual Labor Day parade and spoke to the crowd, outlining his "New America" plan for education and health.Adlai Hits Job, Farm, Inflation Issues Detroit Free Press September 4, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12633620/adlai_hits_job_farm_inflation_issues/ Newspapers.com October October 4 - An office building under construction for Consumers Power in Jackson, Michigan, collapsed and killed 10 workers.Cascading Concrete Kills 10 in Building Collapse Lansing State Journal October 4, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12633917/cascading_concrete_kills_10_in_building/ Newspapers.com October 14 - The opening of the Ford Auditorium in Detroit was broadcast on national television on the Ed Sullivan Show. The show included a high wire act illustrating the size of the auditorium and a performance by opera star Rise Stevens. The 2,926-seat auditorium cost $5.7 million (US 5,700,000 1956 eq) and was funded by gifts of $1 million from the Ford family and $1.5 million from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury dealers, and $2.5 million from the City of Detroit.Nation Watches City Dedicate Ford Auditorium Detroit Free Press October 15, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12633840/nation_watches_city_dedicate_ford/ Newspapers.com November November 2 - Chrysler announced its third quarter financial results. Net earnings for the first nine months were $6.3 million, down more than 90% from $70.6 million for the same period in 1955. Sales were $1.858 billion, down from $2.466 in 1955. Car and truck shipments were down 33% from 1,145,255 to 763,718.Chrysler Profits Dip Sharply Detroit Free Press November 3, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12636154/chrysler_profits_dip_sharply/ Newspapers.com November 5 - Four Mighty Mouse rockets were fired accidentally from an F-86D jet at Selfridge Air Force Base. One of the rockets burst threw the bedroom window of a house in nearby Harrison Township and exploded. The woman of the house, Mrs. Glasgow, was in the den, and her four-year-old son Larry was in the backyard. Neither was injured.Wild Rocket Wrecks Home Near Selfridge Detroit Free Press November 6, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12636568/wild_rocket_wrecks_home_near_selfridge/ Newspapers.com Four days later, an Air Force jet canopy fell into a trailer park in Sumpter Township. A spokesman for Selfridge Air Base denied losing a canopy.Jet Canopy Falls Into Trailer Park Detroit Free Press November 10, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12637164/jet_canopy_falls_into_trailer_camp/ Newspapers.com November 6 - Dwight D. Eisenhower won the United States presidential election in Michigan, taking the state's 20 electoral votes with 55.63% of the popular vote in Michigan to 44.15% for Adlai Stevenson.Ike, Williams Win: Governor Is Elected To Fifth Term; Adlai Is Buried By Landslide Detroit Free Press November 7, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12634487/ike_williams_win_governor_is_elected/ Newspapers.com G. Mennen Williams was re-elected as Governor of Michigan, defeating Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo. Williams received 1,661,417 votes to 1,375,054 for Cobo.Charm Pays Off for Ike, Williams Detroit Free Press November 8, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12634764/charm_pays_off_for_ike_williams/ Newspapers.com In the City of Detroit, where Cobo had been Mayor for seven years, he was defeated by a margin of almost four to one.Cobo Is Bitter Over City Vote Detroit Free Press November 8, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12635035/cobo_is_bitter_over_city_vote/ Newspapers.com Three other incumbent Democrats were also re-elected to statewide offices: Philip Hart as Lieutenant Governor; James M. Hare as Michigan Secretary of State; and Thomas M. Kavanagh as Michigan Attorney General.Final Election Results Detroit Free Press November 8, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12634764/charm_pays_off_for_ike_williams/ Newspapers.com In the United States House of Representatives elections, incumbents held their seats in 14 of Michigan's 18 Congressional Districts. In District 6, Republican Charles E. Chamberlain defeated Democratic incumbent Donald Hayworth -- resulting in a net gain of one seat for the Republican Party. In District 7, Republican Robert J. McIntosh replaced Republican incumbent Jesse P. Wolcott, who retired. In District 9, Republican Robert P. Griffin was elected after defeating Republican incumbent Ruth Thompson in the primary. In District 18, Republican William Broomfield replaced Republican incumbent George A. Dondero, who also retired.How Michiganders Voted for Congress Detroit Free Press November 8, 1956 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12635451/how_michiganders_voted_for_congress/ Newspapers.comState GOP Gains Seat in Congress Detroit Free Press November 8, 1956 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12635506/state_gop_gains_seat_in_congress/ Newspapers.com November 16 - James King, a 50-year-old African-American bailiff from Wayne County shot and killed George Krise, a Newaygo County farmer on whose land King and his friends were hunting. Krise reportedly ordered the hunters off his land, waved a shotgun, and made derogatory comments about King's race. King then shot Krise five times with a .38 revolver. King fled the scene but was captured after police found an advertising circular addressed to King's wife near Krise's body.Ad Circular Trips Bailiff In Slaying Detroit Free Press November 21, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9912276/nov_21_1956_detroit_free_press/ Newspapers.com On February 16, 1957, King was convicted by a Newaygo County jury of second degree murder. The evidence at trial showed that one of the shots was fired while Krise was lying on the ground on his back.Hunter Found Guilty In Slaying Detroit Free Press February 17, 1957 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9912505/feb_17_1957_detroit_free_press/ Newspapers.com King was sentenced to 20 to 30 years at Jackson Prison.Ex-Bailiff Gets 20 Yrs. In Slaying Detroit Free Press March 9, 1957 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9912520/mar_9_1957_detroit_free_press/ Newspapers.com November 19 - Harry Richards, a retired postal worker, engaged police in a standoff at his rural home near Flint. He killed two Michigan State Police officers, George Lappi and Bert Pozza, and wounded a third, Robert Vesey, with a deer rifle. After 75 police officers responded to the scene, Richards surrendered.Madman Slays Two Near Flint Detroit Free Press November 20, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12634677/madman_slays_two_near_flint/ Newspapers.com November 19 - Ford Motor Co. announced the creation of its new Edsel Division. The division was named after Edsel Ford, the father of the three men who ran Ford, including Henry Ford II.'Edsel' Line to Add Jobs for 50,000 Detroit Free Press November 20, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12637695/edsel_line_to_add_jobs_for_50000/ Newspapers.com November 20 - Earl Harmon, Jr., a 14-year-old hunter from Lansing, was discovered by a search plane in the wilderness 25 miles east of Munising in the Upper Peninsula. He was lost for five days without food and had survived snow, sleet, freezing rain, and frostbite by sleeping under logs and fir trees.Five-Day Ordeal Ends in Rejoicing: Boy, 14, Cheats Death Lansing State Journal November 21, 1956 1–2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12683967/fiveday_ordeal_ends_in_rejoicing_boy/ Newspapers.com December December 2 - A group of 43 refugees from the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 arrived at Willow Run Airport, and 800 members of Detroit's Hungarian-American community greeted them at the airport.City Welcomes Refugees Detroit Free Press December 3, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12638931/city_welcomes_refugees/ Newspapers.com One week after being settled into a home in Dearborn, one of the refugees said it was like living in a garden of paradise.Refugee Family Says U.S. Is Like 'Paradise' Detroit Free Press December 9, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640300/refugee_family_says_us_is_like/ Newspapers.com December 2 - A crowd of between 1,000 and 1,500 students at the University of Michigan engaged in a "near riot" over the quality of food served in the dormitories. The protest began with 400 students at South Quad and grew as it spread through campus streets.Food Flies at U-M In 'Riot' By 1,000 Detroit Free Press December 3, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12639085/food_flies_at_um_in_riot_by_1000/ Newspapers.com December 12 - Two passenger steamers once operated by the Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company, the Greater Detroit and the Eastern States were set afire and scuttled in Lake St. Clair. The Greater Detroit had once been known as the "Queen of the Great Lakes". The Detroit Free Press called it a "sad fate for the great vessels" creating a spectacle for the crowds watching from the shore.Proud Old Ladies Die in Flames as Thousands Watch Detroit Free Press December 13, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640462/proud_old_ladies_die_in_flames_as/ Newspapers.com December 16 - The Detroit Lions lost to the Chicago Bears, 38-21, in a game that decided the NFL Western Division championship. The Lions had been seeking their fourth divisional championship in five years. Detroit quarterback Bobby Layne suffered a concussion early in the second quarter on a hit from Ed Meadows that the Lions called "dirty football".Bears Maul Lions, 38 to 21: Layne Hurt Early in Title Struggle Detroit Free Press December 17, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640786/bears_maul_lions_38_to_21_layne_hurt/ Newspapers.com Two weeks early, Layne had run for a touchdown, passed for a touchdown, and kicked six extra points in a 42-10 Detroit victory over the Bears.Layne, Gedman Spark Big Attack In 42-10 Victory Detroit Free Press December 3, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640828/layne_gedman_spark_big_attack_in_4210/ Newspapers.com December 17 - Ford Motor Co. donated $6.5 million (US 6,500,000 1956 eq) and 210 acres of land in Dearborn, Michigan, to the University of Michigan to develop the Dearborn Center of the University of Michigan, later renamed the University of Michigan–Dearborn.Ford Gives Funds To U-M For Branch In Dearborn Detroit Free Press December 18, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12634044/december_ford_motor_co_donated/ Newspapers.com December 17 - Tanya Chwastov, a 2 1 2-year-old girl caught in a highly publicized Cold War custody battle, returned to Detroit. The girl's father had taken her in October as he sought to return to Russia. He was stopped in London where a court ruled that the child should be returned to the mother in Detroit.Detroit Mom Saves Girl From Reds Detroit Free Press December 15, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640665/detroit_mom_saves_girl_from_reds/ Newspapers.comLittle Tanya Gets Royal Welcome Detroit Free Press December 18, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640584/little_tanya_gets_royal_welcome/ Newspapers.com Pravda claimed that the case was "new evidence that forces hostile to peace were stopping at nothing in attempts to incite a cold war."Tanya Called Pawn in Cold-War Plot Detroit Free Press December 24, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640617/tanya_called_pawn_in_coldwar_plot/ Newspapers.com December 19 - Rotary Electric Co. of Detroit, producer of 10% of the country's stainless steel, was acquired Jones & Laughlin Steel.J&L Buys Steel Mill Here Detroit Free Press December 20, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640899/j_l_buys_steel_mill_here/ Newspapers.com December 26 - The Detroit Lions signed their head coach Buddy Parker a new contract paying him $70,000 over two years.Lions Give 2-Year Contract to Parker Detroit Free Press December 27, 1956 23 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12641006/lions_give_2year_contract_to_parker/ Newspapers.com Births March 5 - Bobby DeBarge, lead singer of the Motown group Switch noted for his falsetto vocals, in Detroit March 11 - Rob Paulsen, voice actor and singer, in Detroit March 24 - Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft (2000-2014) ranked as one of the richest persons in the world, in Detroit May 19 - Steven Ford, actor and son of Pres. Gerald Ford, in East Grand Rapids, Michigan June 30 - David Alan Grier, actor and comedian, in Detroit June 30 - Ronald Winans, gospel singer and member of The Winans, in Detroit October 23 - Dianne Reeves, Grammy-winning jazz singer, in Detroit November 3 - Bob Welch, Major League Baseball pitcher (1978–1994), 3x World Series champion, 1990 American League Cy Young Award, in Detroit November 10 - Sinbad, stand-up comedian and actor, in Benton Harbor, Michigan Deaths April 8 - Fred A. Hughes, one of the founders of Detroit's Hughes and Hatcher Clothing Store, at Bons Secours Hospital in Grosse Pointe, MichiganDeath Takes Clothier F. A. Hughes Detroit Free Press April 9, 1956 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12663860/death_takes_clothier_f_a_hughes/ Newspapers.com May 24 - Clarke W. Brown, Michigan Secretary of State (1934), in Roscommon, MichiganFormer Official Dies https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87704297/former-official-dies/ Ironwood Daily Globe May 25, 1956 51 Newspapers.com October 24, 2021 July 27 - Anna Clemenc, labor activist known as an "American Joan of Arc" for her role in the Copper Country strike of 1913–14, at age 68 in Chicago September 26 - Paul H. Bruske, sports editor of the Detroit Times, publicity director for automobile companies, and sportsman, at age 78 in Romeo, MichiganEx-Ad Man P.H. Bruske Dies at 78 Detroit Free Press September 27, 1956 41 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12630339/exad_man_ph_bruske_dies_at_78/ Newspapers.com September 28 - William Boeing, Detroit native, aviation pioneer, and founder of Boeing, at age 74 in SeattleAir Pioneer Dead at 75 Lansing State Journal September 29, 1956 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12630266/air_pioneer_dead_at_75/ Newspapers.com October 19 - Isham Jones, bandleader, saxophone player, and songwriter ("I'll See You in My Dreams", "It Had to Be You") who grew up in Saginaw, at age 62 in Hollywood, FloridaBand Leader Isham Jones Dies at 63 Lansing State Journal October 20, 1956 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12630025/band_leader_isham_jones_dies_at_63/ Newspapers.com October 21 - John Garrels, University of Michigan track and field athlete and football player, silver medalist in hurdles and bronze medalist in shot put at 1908 Olympics, at age 70 in Grosse Ile Township, MichiganU-M Great John Garrels Dies at 70 Detroit Free Press October 22, 1956 42 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12630139/um_great_john_garrels_dies_at_70/ Newspapers.com December 26 - Preston Tucker, automobile designer and entrepreneur most remembered for his 1948 Tucker Sedan (nicknamed the "Tucker Torpedo"), at age 53 in Ypsilanti, MichiganPreston Tucker, Inventor of 'Dream Car', Dies at 53 Lansing State Journal December 27, 1956 7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12630203/preston_tucker_inventor_of_dream/ Newspapers.comTucker, Car Promoter, Dies Detroit Free Press December 27, 1956 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12640972/tucker_car_promoter_dies/ Newspapers.com Gallery of 1956 deaths See also History of Michigan History of Detroit References 30em